Reddit reviews Flexcut Carving Tools, Beginners Palm Set, Gouges for Woodcarving, Set of 5 (FR310)
We found 2 Reddit comments about Flexcut Carving Tools, Beginners Palm Set, Gouges for Woodcarving, Set of 5 (FR310). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The shape of the handles fit comfortably in the palm of the handGouges work well for both relief carving and carving in the roundEdges are sharpened, hand honed and polished - ready for useComes in a sturdy wooden tool boxMade in USA
Helvie makes a great knife as well as OCC and Drake. Drake is my first recommendation due to their lifetime satisfaction guarantee and free sharpening. However, the other two mentioned are also top notch. Another option is the Lee Ferguson knives - well made and a little less expensive with free shipping to the U.S.
I suggest a straight blade about 1-1/2" in length to start. This is a general carving blade. Roughout - 2" or so and detail - 3/4" - 1" knives can be purchased later as you feel the need.
Also, palm gouges are great tools for many types of carving 12" or less. While I don't like their knives, Flexcut makes great palm gouges. While I don't usually recommend sets, their basic set is a pretty good start.
As for wood, Basswood is about the best wood for beginners. It has a tight, straight grain and is one of the softer hardwoods. It takes detail very well. However, just about any wood is carvable, just a little more difficult.
You should also pick up a carving (or fillet) glove for the holding hand and a strop and stropping compound (I've heard many suggestions over the years, but I've found any compound I've tried works about as well as the others).
Search for videos on YouTube for sharpening and stropping woodcarving knives videos. Also check out videos by Doug Outside and Gene Messer among others for some great how to videos.
I used a starter set of carving chisels [like these] (http://www.amazon.com/Starter-Set-of-5-Tools/dp/B001UYQPNG/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1411898341&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=starter+carving+chisel+blades) but not those exact ones, and then this [Xacto carving set] (http://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X5175-Deluxe-Woodcarving-Set/dp/B00004Z2UD) when I got to the finer details.