Wood carving may come across as complicated since it needs different techniques and styles in the process. When you have the right tools, then it is much easier to achieve whatever you want to.
There are many tools used in wood carving so it may be confusing to know which ones to start with. Luckily, most of the time these tools come as a set.
Best Wood Carving Tools for Beginners
In this product review guide, we review the six best wood carving tools for beginners. They may not necessarily be the same, but they will serve any beginner well.
Here is a quick look:
1. SCHAAF Full Size Wood Carving Tools Set
This set comes as a set of 12 tools in a canvas case. It contains gouges and chisels that can be used by people of different skill levels.
The tools come with a 100% guarantee so if you are not satisfied with them, you can get a replacement.
They are high quality, as the tools are made from a chromium-vanadium steel alloy. To ensure that the blades do not become dull quickly, they are hardened with Rockwell C60.
They have a hardwood ash octagonal style handle to make the tools comfortable to handle.
When you buy the set, you get an eBook that will guide your use of the different tools.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 4 inches
- Product Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Comes as a set of 12, hence it is multifunctional
- Comes with a 100% guarantee
- The blades are made from high-quality steel so that they do not need frequent resharpening
- They are comfortable to use
- They come with an eBook
Cons
- They do not come sharp
2. NOUVCOO Wood Carving Tools
This is a set of two tools. They are both made of high-quality molybdenum vanadium steel. They have fixed wooden handles that make them comfortable to use.
The blades are characterized by high-quality carbon steel to preserve their sharpness and toughness. They are suitable to be used even on hardwoods and cork.
They are easy to use as they have smooth and ergonomic handles.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 1.3 x 1.2 inches
- Product Weight: 4.2 ounces
Pros
- The blades have flexible shafts and sharp cutting edges
- Each tool has an ergonomic wooden handle
- Each tool has a high carbon steel blade that does not become dull easily
- They are short, which gives you more control
Cons
- Some users found the handles to be weak and flimsy
3. Ruisita Wood Carving Tools Set 4 in 1 Beginners Kit
As suggested by the name, this is a 4-in-1 set that has a carving hook tool, wood whittling tool, chip carving tool, and a storage bag.
It is characterized by a robust, high-quality wooden handle with a great texture, appearance, and comfortable grip. The blade is characterized by a hard metal that is tough and corrosion-resistant. That makes it durable and rust-resistant.
It is multi-purpose and can be used for different applications.
Product Information
- Package Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.57 x 0.39 inches
- Product Weight: 9.6 ounces
Pros
- 4-in-1 set for convenience
- Has a high-quality wooden handle that is ergonomic
- Has a hard metal blade that is tough and rust-resistant
- Multi-purpose and great for beginners
Cons
- May need to be resharpened from time to time
4. PRUGNA Hardwood Carving Tools Kit
This is a 12-piece carving tool set with a storage case that is suitable for both beginners and experts.
The tools are characterized by a Beechwood handle that is ergonomic and provides a comfortable grip.
The blade is made of carbon steel that is perfect for carving different things.
When you buy the set, you get a 90-day money back guarantee.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches
- Product Weight: 10.8 ounces
Pros
- The set comes with a storage case
- Each tool has a beechwood handle that is ergonomic and has a comfortable grip
- Each tool has a carbon steel blade that is easy to sharpen and does not become dull easily
- When you buy the set, you get a 90-days money back guarantee
- The kit comes with a whetstone for sharpening the knives
Cons
- Some users did not find the handle to be very sturdy
5. PRUGNA Wood Carving Tools Kit, HRC62 Carbon Steel Graver Set
This is a 12-piece engraving knife set with different types of knives for various applications. It is a great set for both beginners and experts.
It has an ergonomic beechwood handle that is sturdy, smooth, and has a comfortable grip.
The blade is characterized by an SK2 carbon steel material that makes it tough and suitable for carving different materials such as maple, pine, basswood, etc.
The set comes with a storage case to make transportation easy.
When you buy the set, you get a 90-day money back guarantee.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches
- Product Weight: 7.2 ounces
Pros
- Ergonomic beechwood handles
- Carbon steel blades that are tough and durable
- Comes with a storage case for easy transportation
- The set comes with a 90-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Some users complained the tools did not arrive sharpened
6. Adevena Wood Carving Tools
This is a 12-piece set that is useful for both beginners and professionals. It is a set of 12 different gouges that are very sharp and can handle various projects well.
The blades are made of SK2 carbon steel and have an electrolytic coat to make them sharp and durable.
They are equipped with an ergonomic wooden handle that provides precise control when working on different projects.
It comes with a canvas bag, and every tool has a plastic cap to keep your tools neat and organized.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 0.59 x 0.59 inches
- Product Weight: 11.2 ounces
Pros
- The set is suitable for both beginners and experts
- Characterized by SK2 carbon steel material with a coat to make it durable
- Ergonomic wooden handles
- Comes with a canvas case
Cons
- Some users did not find them to be sharp enough
Buyer’s Guide
All the tools above are an excellent set for any beginner looking into wood carving. If you have a hard time choosing one set, this section is for you to differentiate them.
Here is our quick guide:
The sharpest blade: Although all the tools have been made to be sharp, the SCHAAF Full Size Wood Carving Tools Set has gouges and chisels made with an alloy chromium-vanadium steel hardened with Rockwell C60. This ensures that the set is easy to sharpen, and that it can stay sharp for longer.
The set that comes with an eBook: Though there is plenty of information on the internet. It is still good to get a set with an eBook such as the SCHAAF Full Size Wood Carving Tools Set if you are a beginner.
The cheapest set: If you are worried about the price, then the most affordable set is the Ruisita Wood Carving Tools Set that costs $12.
Our overall recommendation: When you start wood carving, it all depends on your priorities. Our favorite is the Ruisita Wood Carving Tools Set since it is affordable and will serve you well.
Tools in a Set
When you start as a beginner, it is essential to know the different tools used in woodworking. They include:
Chisel
A chisel has a detailed cutting edge, making it an essential tool for the learning process. They are used for roughing and removing wood to attain the detail pi are looking for. They come in different sizes, which are all useful.
Gouge
A gouge has curved edges to help you easily carve out rounds. A gouge has a bold, tough, and sharp edge to perform its function well. Most of the time, they come as a set that contains gouges of different sizes.
Knives
Knives are also used in wood carving, the common choice being hook knives. They have a curved cutting edge.
Sloyd knives are also commonly used in carving wood. They have a thin and sharp blade. They can give you a great cut even within a hollow part.
Whittling Knives
These are not the same as carving knives, as they will give you more detail and precision. A whittling knife can be used by a beginner to provide a professional finish.
With this knife, you can also carve out different shapes and sizes.
Chip Carving Knives
Chip carving knives are great for removing wooden chips from a flat wooden surface. Most of them have an ergonomic handle and are also small enough to easily fit into one’s palm.
Other Factors to Consider
Since you already know the kind of tools you may need as a beginner, it is also necessary to understand the factors to consider when shopping for one. They include:
The Type of Wood You Are Working with
The kind of wood you have will influence which tool will be best for you as there are some tools that are best meant for specific types of wood. The best part is that when you buy a tool, the manufacturer will guide you on which wood the tool can best work with.
The Materials Used on the Blade
The material used on the blade determines its durability and how long the edge can stay sharp. There are soma materials that are easy to sharpen and can survive for a long time without being dulled. Some are also impact and rust-resistant.
The Sharpness of the Blades
When the blades are sharp, they are easier to use. When they are dull, it means that you have to use more energy than you would have to normally.
Number of Tools in a Set
If you are a beginner, you need a set that has as many tools as possible. However, some tools can be used in many different ways, so even when you buy a few of them, they will all serve you well.
Versatility
When looking for a carving tool, look for versatile tools that can do more than just carving. The more things a tool can do, the better it will be for you.
The Handle
The handle needs to be ergonomic and comfortable. It should have the right finishing to give you a secure grip. It should also be anti-slip and, at the same time, anti-slip for comfort.
Price
The toolset’s price will depend on how many tools are in the set and the quality of the material used. Please compare the features of the tools, their materials, and the number of tools in a pack to get the most value.
Final Verdict
As a beginner, you may have to define your priorities before looking for tools. Once you know your preferences, you will know which tools may work out for you. You may need more than one type of tool in some cases, but start one with a pressing need first.
You may have to compare different sets before deciding what to settle on. Research and comparison are mandatory when you are shopping for anything, including carving tools.