Overhead view of a selection of wood carving tools

The Best Carving Chisels: A Buying Guide

There are no better tools for carving holes or smoothing out rough edges than carving chisels. While other power tools may be able to do the same work, they will never be able to match the finesse of a good carving chisel.

We understand that it can be difficult to shop because of the numerous products available. Some products may be brilliant, while others can be made of counterfeit materials. It’s good to check out a product’s features to make sure you’re buying what you need.

Our Top Picks for the Best Carving Chisels

Fortunately, we’ve done the job for you and made a list of six of the best wood chisels that can be trusted. If you’ve never bought a chisel before, or if you need to quickly refresh your memory before buying a new one, this review is just for you.

1. Fuller 3-Piece Chisel Set

Though just 3 pieces, this set of chisels of different sizes by Fuller provides what you need for both small and large projects. The steel blade compliments the shatterproof ergonomic handle, which makes the chisel easy to use and gives you the control to carve with more precision.

The steel blade has been heat-treated to make it last longer, while maintaining the same level of sharpness with no chance of chipping. If you’re a beginner, you’ll have no problem using the chisels, and if you’re a professional, they will make a great addition to your workshop.

These chisels are sturdy, pocket-friendly, easy to maintain, and are designed to withstand aggressive use by owners.

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 1 x 5.75 x 10.13 inches
  • Item weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Included components: 3-piece chisel set
  • Manufacturer: Johnson Level & Tool
  • Customer reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros

Pros
  • Low price
  • Durable build
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Designed to handle aggressive use

Cons

Cons
  • Does not come in a proper storage case
  • Only 3 tools

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2. VonHaus 16-Piece Wood Carving Tool Set

There are several features you’ll love about this set of carving chisels by VonHaus. The set comes with 16 pieces of different shapes and carving purposes. Heat-treated, vanadium steel alloy blades ensure that this is one of the most durable sets of chisels you’ll see on the market.

All the blades have wooden handles, each handle sporting an easy octagonal grip. The set of chisels also come in a fine and elastic safe storage holder that helps to keep your tools safe and organized. You can also easily transport the set.

This set was not designed for beginners, as it comes with so many pieces, but it’s definitely a good set for an intermediate or advanced carver.

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 13.2 x 4.3 x 3.7 inches
  • Item weight: 3.26 pounds
  • Material: Chrome vanadium steel alloy
  • Manufacturer: DOMU Brands LLC
  • Customer reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Pros

Pros
  • Ergonomic design
  • Less likely to cause injury
  • Fine storage leather pack
  • Great choice for intermediate to advanced carvers

Cons

Cons
  • You may need to sharpen the blades sooner than expected
  • Not the best for beginners

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3. Puli Craft Wood Carving Knife Set

This set includes 12 carving chisels of different sizes. They all come sharpened and were designed specifically with beginners in mind.

Each blade is made from durable steel material with octagonal wooden handles to give you a firm grip. The shape of the handle also ensures your tools won’t roll far away from you in the workspace.

The chisels are versatile and can be used to touch up furniture, bore holes, create miniature models, and so on. While you might think it’ll take you a long time to master the art of wood carving, this chisel set will make your job a whole lot easier.

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 10.43 x 6.5 x 2.83 inches
  • Item weight: 4.79 pounds
  • Material: Steel
  • Manufacturer: NS Brands LLC
  • Customer reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Pros

Pros
  • Made for beginning carvers
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Good quality steel is durable

Cons

Cons
  • Professionals may not enjoy using them, as they are made with beginners in mind

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4. PH PandaHall Stone Carving Chisel Set

This set by PH PandaHall is unique, as it was actually made for carving stone. Apart from the 3 carving knives, there are 8 included stones, 1 brush, 1 wooden carving stamp bed, 2 sanding sheets, and 40 stickers of different styles in the package.

The carving stamp bed helps to hold the stone in place and exerts a measure of force when carving, and the brushes are included to clear debris or shavings from the carving.

The accessories included in this package are easy to use, as long as you follow the simple instructions in the user manual. While made with stone carving in mind, this kit also includes everything you’ll need to start your wood carving project. And you just might pick up stone carving as a new hobby as well!

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 3 inches
  • Item weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Material: Steel
  • Manufacturer: PH PandaHall
  • Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Pros

Pros
  • Great choice for beginners
  • Made from durable steel
  • Ergonomic handles
  • Can be used for stone and wood carving

Cons

Cons
  • Experts might not appreciate it’s cutting ability

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5. Schaaf Full Size Wood Carving Tool Set

If you regularly work with wood, then this set of 12 chisels by Schaaf is what you need. The chisel blades are made from a high-quality alloy of chromium-vanadium steel, making it a reliable tool for creating various designs in both hardwood and softwood.

A durable build means that you won’t need to worry about any potential damage to the chisels. The handles, which are 14 centimeters in length, are designed in the European octagonal style, which prevents the chisels from rolling away while you work.

With your purchase, you also receive a free ebook beginner’s guide to get you started carving wood.

Even though the chisels come sharpened, the manufacturer states that you will likely have to manually sharpen them after some use. No matter what your project involves, you can rely on this set of 12 tools.

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 11 x 6 x 4 inches
  • Item weight: 2.5 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Schaaf Tools
  • Included components: Set of 12 chisels, free ebook
  • Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Pros

Pros
  • Ideal set for beginners
  • Free ebook for beginners included
  • High-quality blades
  • Octagonal handles

Cons

Cons
  • Blades may have to be sharpened after use
  • Relatively expensive price

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6. Flexcut Carving Tools for Woodworking

This set of 6 carpentry chisels by Flexcut comes discreetly packed in a wooden box for easy storage and transport. The steel blades are all different shapes, come sharpened, and are complemented by sturdy wooden handles.

These heavy-duty tools were specifically made to be used with a mallet and are ideal for larger projects. They are mainly used by experts in the carpentry field to carve hardwood, due to the sturdy and sharp carbon steel blades.

The chisels are 10 inches long, and so may not have the flexibility of smaller tools. However, they can create deeper cuts and wider holes than many other chisels. The handles are comfortable, but users complain that they start to prick after an extended period of use.

Specifications

  • Product dimensions: 11.3 x 9 x 1.6 inches
  • Package Weight: 7 ounces
  • Manufacturer: Flexcut
  • Department: Unisex-adult
  • Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Pros

Pros
  • Blades come sharpened
  • Suitable for creating wider and deeper holes
  • Can be used on hardwood
  • Made for larger projects

Cons

Cons
  • Handles aren’t the most comfortable
  • Not ideal for smaller jobs

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Carving Chisels Buying Guide: Selection Criteria

Since there are many models available online, you might feel like branching out and buying a product that isn’t mentioned on this list. We understand that the final decision of what to buy and when to buy rests solely on you, but we can still help you get the best of any model.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind before deciding on any carving chisel, whether you’re an amateur or an expert.

Quality of Chisel Blade

The part that does the actual work is the blade, and fortunately, it happens to be the most important feature. It’s better to have a not-so-great handle than to have a mediocre blade. Otherwise, what are you paying for?

So before buying that great chisel set, please take a moment and examine the blade. How can you identify a great blade? For one thing, it should be strong and durable. It must also not be prone to chipping and scratching.

You should also pay attention to whether the blades come pre-sharpened or not. A good manufacturer will almost always have their wood chisels pre-sharpened. You don’t want to waste time sharpening before getting to work.

Most manufacturers use steel alloy to make fine, sharp blades for their chisels. How can you be sure that’s what you’re buying? Simply read the product description for the material used in making the blade.

Quality of Wooden Handle

After checking the blade, the wooden handle is the second thing worth your careful examination. For you to be comfortable while working, the wood must be of good quality. Durable wood will also last longer after a lot of usage.

The handles shouldn’t make the chisel feel too heavy, and good ones will come polished and smoothly finished, contributing to the elegance of the chisel.

Even though some may argue that the type of wood (or other material) used for the handles does not matter, most modern manufacturers will specify the wood used when writing their product descriptions. Be sure to distance yourself from chisels with plastic handles, as they are highly unreliable.

Included Chisel Components

While not the most important thing to keep in mind, added accessories are always nice to have. Will you rather buy a leather-wrapped carving chisel set, or a set that comes neatly packed in a case? Or would you prefer to just have the tools with no added fuss? Of course, a set that comes with its own case makes for easy storage after each use.

Read the Chisel’s Reviews

This is the part that many skip because they feel it’s not necessary. Is that what you think too? Reviews are a great way to learn what other people think of the product before being able to use it yourself.

Carefully go through each review and note what satisfied or frustrated past customers think about that carving chisel. You may likely change your mind and make a more informed decision after reading some reviews.

Conclusion

There may be plenty of power tools and machines available to woodworkers, but none of them beat a good chisel when it comes to giving your project a detailed look. It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning or if you’re already a professional, chisels are great, easy-to-use tools for everyone.

The very best carving chisels should meet your own unique needs and requirements, but you can’t go wrong with any of the six options listed in this guide. Good luck, and get carving!