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When I was first starting out block printing, I used an entry-level carving tool. After a while, I felt like it was holding me back so I began investigating better quality options. Eventually, I settled on a few different quality lino carving tools, which I am quite happy with.
Watch me share my thoughts on higher quality carving tools on my YouTube channel.
Higher quality carving tools have significantly improved my lino carving experience for quite a few reasons, including:
- A wider range of available carving sizes and shapes. My set allows me to carve anything from fine details to removing larger areas.
- You can sharpen them. I hone them regularly so I haven’t had to sharpen them yet. But I do have a sharpening tool for when they will eventually need to be properly sharpened.
- They might cost more up-front, but because you don’t have to buy replacement tips, they might end up being more cost-effective in the long run. This is especially true if you carve quite a bit.
- You can try one tool to see how it fits in your hand before purchasing entire sets. Being a lino artist really requires a comfortable tool or you might get tired too quickly or even injured.
- You can mix and match different tools and brands to make your perfect set. I purchased two different sets, plus one individual. In hindsight, I would have purchased one set of the Pfiels that gave me a wide range of options, then added a couple individual tools beyond that.
My carving tools
My Pfiel set C. I purchased the third tool from the left separately.
My Flexcut micro palm set
This tool is very flat, and I use it to remove ridges from areas that I have already carved. I used it on the lino block on the left, but not on the right.
Sizing
Pfeil tools have a numbering system which can be hard to interpret. I believe the number before the slash refers to the angle of the tool. The number following the slash is how many millimetres with they are. For example, my 8/3 is only 3 mm wide and had a moderate angle. In comparison, the 3/13 is very flat with only a slight raise on each side, and is about 13 mm wide.
I’m not clear on how the Flexcut micro tool sizing system works, but the number with the pound sign (#) seems to refer to the angle, while the mm is how wide they are.
Get your own
Pick up your own carving tools at your local art supply store. Keep in mind that these tools can be tricky to find. I have to order them in from a few different places, including Amazon and Canadian Woodworker. I’ve shared some Amazon links below:
US
Canada
