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Wood Carving Tools

Carving Tools

Page 2 - basics

My own personal preference in carving tools are Ashley Iles Tools. They used to be very difficult to find in this country, so I would order them directly from the factory in England. Thanks to the good folks at Tools for Working Wood, it's no longer a problem to get them. They stock the entire line of Ashley Iles tools.

These tools come ready for use, meaning no honing is required. Plus they have a lifetime guarantee on them. (you have to ship them to the factory in England, and they will even resharpen them for life at no charge. You must pay the shipping both ways). Tools for Working Wood also carries a complete selection of sharpening equipment, and supplies.

I saw a set of Japanese carving tools in a catalog, and although I can't recall which catalog it was, they looked excellent. I did buy a couple of them, as they have some very handy shapes, which weren't available from Ashley Iles, and the quality was top shelf. They had laminated blades, as do the Japanese wood chisels, and can be polished to a mirror edge. They also hold an edge longer then their western counterparts.

I am also somewhat anal, (okay completely), and I like to see sets of matching tools. It actually bothers me to see a drawer full of chisels from different manufacturers. In fact some of my Ashley Iles tools have dark handles on them, while the rest of them have a light colored handles. I've actually considered changing the handles, so they all match. (I am aware of the fact something is wrong with me, as people keep pointing it out, thank you very much).

There are two more drawers of chisels below these! as I said, I like collecting tools. Nobody really needs all these chisels, I just like having them.

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Carving Tools