I'm looking to dive into wood carving and want some recommendations for a solid starter kit. I'm willing to spend around $40 max—though that feels like a stretch. I'm hoping to find a set that includes both straight and curved knives as well as some wood blocks to practice on. Ideally, I want something generic without any pre-planned designs. Any thoughts?
3 Answers
Most people here rave about Flexcut as a good entry point for tools. I kicked things off with just an OCCT knife, which I absolutely love! It let me build my collection slowly as I figured out what tools I actually needed. No matter what you choose, definitely invest in a strop and some stropping compound. Spend a good chunk of your time learning how to keep your knife sharp. Oh, and don't overlook cut-resistant gloves—they're super important!
Honestly, buying complete sets isn’t usually the best way to go. You might get more tools, but the quality often suffers, and low-quality tools can make you want to quit right out of the gate. I started with a set too, but found the knives just wouldn’t hold an edge. After some digging, I found Flexcut and got one of their knives, which has been a game changer for me. I suggest checking out the Flexcut KN12 and maybe adding a paddle strop, cut-resistant gloves, and some basswood blocks. It might be a bit over your budget, but saving a bit more could really pay off in the long run!
A sloyd knife would be a great pick for starting out! It's a small straight blade that’s super handy, plus you might want a cut-proof glove, a strop, some whetstones, and a tiny saw to round out your kit. If you can find some freshly cut green wood, that’s a breeze to carve and will really get you into the groove. Just look for a small tree or limb you can trim, and get stuck in!