We live in a fast world, where machines rule everything. Even when it comes to wood carving, there are a lot of machines that you can use to carve and engrave wood.
But there are certain joys that cannot be satisfied just by using machines. Hand carving is one of these activities, and working with your own hands on wood is just a different experience than using machines.
For activities like these, you need a good set of hand carving tools. Even if you’re new to woodworking and you’re interested in hand carving, there are a number of beginner’s guides available on the internet that you can use to get started!
The Best Hand Carving Tools
In this review, we have researched multiple options in the hand carving tool industry and selected the best 6 options for you. Read on to know which tools will be great for your requirements.
1. Schaaf Full Size Wood Carving Tools, Set of 12
The kit comes with a canvas storage bag so that the tools can be stored safely and folded into a safe package. The kit includes straight chisels, skew chisels, gouges, and parting tools. They have protective plastic tips on them for protection.
Specifications
- No. of items — 12
- Bag included — Yes
- Item weight — 2.5 pounds
- Color — Light Brown and Silver
- Blade material — Alloy Chromium Vanadium Steel
- Handle material — Wood
Pros
- If you’re new to woodworking and carving, this set comes with an ebook called Beginner’s Guide to Carving that will help you get started on your hobby.
- The handles of all the tools are made of high quality wood and have an octagonal design to ensure that they fit well in your hands and do not roll off the table.
- The kit has several different types of tools for a varied range of carving needs.
Cons
- The bag that is included with the kit is a canvas bag. Some people prefer leather bags for a more sturdy feel.
- Though the kit is quite sharp and durable in nature, these will need sharpening in the long run.
2. Augsun Wood Carving Knife 20 Piece Set
The handle length on the knives is 4.3 inches, and the handles are ergonomically designed to give you a comfortable and powerful grip. These knives are suitable for woodworking, carving, sculpting, and scraping.
Specifications
- No. of items — 20
- Bag included — Yes
- Item weight — 10.4 ounces
- Color — Light Brown and Silver
- Blade material — High Carbon Steel
- Handle material — Wood
Pros
- The kit not only comes with carving tools, but also with accessories you might need with it, including sharpening sandpaper, a wooden ruler, pencils, and wipe cloths.
- The kit has 12 different types of knives with different sized gouges for all sorts of carving projects.
- The bag included with the kit is quite well designed and folds up upon itself, making it a very convenient option to carry around.
Cons
- The blades on these knives might get blunt after use, and you might need to spend time sharpening them before they are good enough to be worked on again.
- The blades are quite sharp when ordered, and should be used with extreme caution.
3. VonHaus 16 Piece Wood Carving Tool Set
The metal on the blades is heat-treated, providing durability and longevity. It is made out of a chrome vanadium steel alloy with a ground finish and narrow side bevels. The kit also comes with a sharpening stone and a mallet for long-term performance.
Specifications
- No. of items — 16
- Bag included — Yes
- Item weight — 3.26 pounds
- Color — Light Brown and Silver
- Blade material — Chrome Vanadium Steel Alloy
- Handle material — Wood
Pros
- The bag included with the set is a good quality folding bag with elastic holders and pockets for all items, making it easy and safe to store things.
- The blades on the knives are made out of a steel alloy and are heat treated for longevity and sharpness.
- The handles are octagonally shaped to ensure a comfortable grip and great handling.
Cons
- Some of the knives included in the kit might cause uneven cuts in wood.
- The knives are quite large, and if you need a more detailed carving, this might not be the best fit for you.
4. Mikisyo Power Grip Carving Tools, 7 Piece Set
The handles of the pieces are made out of hardwood and have a unique shape designed to fit well in your hand. They provide a comfortable grip and help you avoid fatigue after working with them for extended periods of time. The pack comes with round, flat, and triangle knives.
Specifications
- No. of items — 7
- Bag included — No
- Item weight — 8 ounces
- Color — Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black
- Blade material — Double layered steel
- Handle material — Wood
Pros
- The product is imported from Japan and is known for its excellent quality and sharp edges.
- The blades are made of a high quality double layered steel that helps them retain their sharpness.
- The kit has round, flat, and triangle-shaped knife heads for a varied experience.
Cons
- The tools might blunt quickly and need sharpening more often.
- The kit does not come with a bag or sharpening tools, so you might have to purchase these items separately.
5. Schaaf Full Size Wood Carving Tools, Set of 12
The handles on the blade are made out of ash hardwood and have octagonal designs that are great to hold and also prevent them from rolling off from your table.
The kit comes with a canvas storage bag so that the tools can be stored safely and folded into a safe package. The kit includes straight chisels, skew chisels, gouges, and parting tools. The tools have protective plastic tips on them for your protection.
Specifications
- No. of items — 12
- Bag included — Yes
- Item weight — 2.5 pounds
- Color — Light Brown and Silver
- Blade material — Alloy Chromium Vanadium Steel
- Handle material — Wood
Pros
- This set comes with an ebook called Beginner’s Guide to Carving. If you’re new to woodworking and carving the book will help you get started on your hobby.
- The handles of all the tools are made of high quality wood and have an octagonal design to ensure that they fit well in your hands and do not roll off the table.
- The kit has several different types of tools for a varied range of carving needs.
Cons
- The knives will dull over time and need sharpening often.
- Some people prefer leather bags for a more sturdy feel, but the bag that is included with the kit is a canvas bag. This might not appeal to everyone.
6. Alikeke Professional 12 Piece Wood Carving Set
The knives have enough variety to be used in different kinds of woodworking situations and include different types of gouges, knives, and chisels for a complete experience. The ergonomic handle on the knives ensures that you do not undergo fatigue while working on long projects.
Specifications
- No. of items — 12
- Bag included — Yes
- Item weight — 1.86 pounds
- Color — Light Brown and Silver
- Blade material — Premium Carbon Steel
- Handle material — Wood
Pros
- If you’re a beginner, this set is a great place to start off as it offers you decent quality and sharpness at an affordable price.
- The set comes with versatile tools like carving knives, gouges, and chisels, making it easier for you to work on a variety of projects.
- The tools are small and compact in design and can be used by kids interested in woodworking as well.
Cons
- If kids are going to be using this product, make sure that they exercise proper precautions so they do not end up hurting themselves.
- If you’re an expert at woodworking and carving, or even if you have some experience and are looking for an intermediate kit, this might not be the best kit for you.
Buyer’s Guide
Above, we have listed the specifications, pros, and cons of the best hand carving tools. But how do you know which one of these is the best fit for you according to your preferences? Read on to know more.
- The Versatile Tools: If you’re looking for something that offers you a lot of options, check out the Augsun Wood Carving Knives Set or the Schaaf Full Size Wood Carving Kit.
- The Beginner’s Tools: If you are just beginning to work on hand carving wooden pieces, you should go for the Alikeke 12 Piece Wood Carving Set or the Mikisyo Hand Carving Tools.
- The Intermediate Kit: If you’ve worked on such projects before and you’re looking for something to expand your range, you can check out the Schaaf Wood Carving Tools or the VonHaus Wood Carving Set.
Wrap Up
Some people do not enjoy working with machines, because they want to feel the joy of carving with their own hands. For such people, this review talks about the best hand carving tools you can order.
If you’re interested in woodworking activities, please feel free to check out our other reviews on woodworking tools as well! We wish you the best of luck, and we are positive that you will be making beautiful art projects in no time.