The Selection; (Made from the Pfeil range)
Stock Codes; PF-5-25, PF-9-15, PF-9-10, PF-11-5, PF-7-6, PF-3-16, PF-7-14, PF-12-6, PF-3-8, PF-11-3, PF-11-1.5, PF-KNIFE-1

Assembling a selected set of individual chisels will equip the new carver and allow him/her to produce good carvings and avoid the possibility of buying a standard set which may contain chisels they don't need. I make my selection after teaching many beginners to carve and taking them through carving projects step by step demonstrating various techniques with different chisels.
Firstly I recommend two chisels selected to deal with the initial roughing out procedure of the woodcarving project, a gouge and a flattish chisel. A 15mm No 9 chisel and a 25mm No 5. These two chisels used in combination can quickly and effectively rough out the excess wood and form the shape of the project. The gouge efficiently removes wood and copes with hollows and depressions. The flatter chisel can split and chop large sections away and deals with smoother contours and tidies up rough gouge work.

As we refine the roughout shape and deal with the tighter curves and shapes, I use a 17mm No 9, a 5mm No 11. and 6 mm No 7. A 16mm No 3, 14mm No 7 and an 8mm No 3 deal with a variety of techniques in the development of the carving. A V tool is also an essential in every carver's kit and the one I recommend is the 6mm No 12. This is a medium sized V tool with a 60° angle and will cope with a large variety of tasks.

As we further refine our project, smaller tools are implemented and I recommend a 3mm No 11 and a 1.5mm No 11. To round off the kit I recommend a knife, I suggest a Wharcliffe style blade as in the PF-KNIFE-I. This blade design has a good point which is quite strong and overall is a terrific general woodcarver's knife. It is also ideal for whittling. The detailing knife with a fine long point is also good, but I have seen new carvers break them before they become adept at manipulating the blade. I find that the knife is important to me and I have a good range of them. The knife can also be used exclusively in letter carving.

What I have tried to present is a beginners set that I know from experience works. This selection will really equip you to progress as a new carver and complete a wide variety of projects. Having the right tools to work with will certainly reduce the degree of difficulty in mastering the techniques required to achieve the results that are aimed for and reduce frustration of trying to use the wrong tools.

As you develop as a carver you will surely supplement your set with other chisels. You may specialize in a particular form such as relief carving or decorative carving and acquire firmers, frontbent and backbent chisels. Sculptural projects often require specialist carving chisels like long spoon bents, to cope with areas inaccessible to straight shafted tools.

Eventually, you will achieve the skill to make chisels work for you and you will surely have you own favourites. I think the motto of some old time carvers is worth noting..."He who has the most chisels, wins".

Click on the links below for pricing and purchase:
PF-5-25, PF-9-15, PF-9-10, PF-11-5, PF-7-6, PF-3-16, PF-7-14, PF-12-6, PF-3-8, PF-11-3, PF-11-1.5, PF-KNIFE-1