I've just started getting into kuksa carving, and I'm eager to make my first kuksa. I've got a decent carving knife but my hook knife isn't great—it's really more of a budget option! I'm wondering which tools would actually make my carving easier. Should I invest in a better hook knife, a specific type of gouge, or maybe both? Also, I have a limited budget, so any recommendations on what tools are essential would be really helpful. Thanks!
2 Answers
A gouge works wonders for kuksa carving! I've used a bent gouge, and it really helped me shape the bowls. Try checking out BeaverCraft's K8A, it's a compact short bent gouge that works really well.
If your budget allows, I'd recommend looking into both a better hook knife and a bent gouge. Beavercraft is a solid brand for affordability, but if you want something premium, consider Morakniv for the hook knife. For gouges, brands like Flexcut, Kirschen, and Pfeil are excellent choices. Prices can vary depending on where you are, though, so it's worth shopping around!
Thanks for the tips! Is there a significant difference between using a bent versus a straight gouge?