Reddit reviews Flexcut Slipstrop

Mind you I have only used this stuff to carve this one tiny thing but I figure I can always upgrade to different tools if I stick with it for a while and decide these things need an upgrade. Next time I buy supplies, I’m definitely finding another retailer for larger pieces of Basswood though. The selection on Amazon sucks a bit.

Glove:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVM1TKO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_BN5WCbEJ88Z77

Blades:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P578XFV/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_zN5WCbWR8JJJA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037MI3K2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_mN5WCb9TNQ5A5

Sharpening Tools:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FX9MHIG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_iN5WCbFRFMWSY
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023W6RS2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_lN5WCbSTS92ZX
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2WY7WG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_qN5WCbZ70WC0J

Basswood:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L91JK9J/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_UQ5WCbSS09KD7

I second flexcut, I have some of their palm gouges ans love them. JUST MAKE SURE to get the sharper equipment, its frustrating to not be able to use your tools effectively because they got dull. https://www.amazon.com/Flexcut-Slipstrop-Polishing-Deburring-PW12/dp/B00FX9MHIG/ref=pd_aw_fbt_201_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2W52B2BGRENKZWA0VM13

Make a strop with leather and purchase some polishing compound; if you don't want to make one, Flexcut makes a nice strop for 15$, polish included. This is the proper tool for keeping a wood carving knife in tune; when the edge gets really dull, use the stone. Your knife is much easier to keep very sharp if you strop it regularly. You will also need a 4K or 6K grit waterstone, for more aggressive sharpening. You can get a decent 6000 grit waterstone on Amazon for 25$. The combo of both these items are quite compact, cost under 50$ even if you buy everything, and weighs about 2lbs.

edit: links:
https://www.amazon.com/King-800-4000-Combination-Waterstone/dp/B000248XEY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1482350969&sr=8-5&keywords=4000+grit+stone

https://www.amazon.com/Flexcut-PW12-SlipStrop/dp/B00FX9MHIG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482351305&sr=8-2&keywords=flexcut+strop

The slip strop is great for if you later get other types of tools, but you can also use just a regular strop for a bit less.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexcut-Knife-Strop/dp/B00FFJ9TLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482351401&sr=8-1&keywords=flexcut+strop

It really depends on what kind of carving you want to do. I mostly do low relief carving (which is carving an image less than an inch or so into a board), and to get started with that kind of carving you want a gouge or two, a v-parting tool, and maybe a knife. Ramelson makes cheap but reliable tools, and this is a good set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008I40CC6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_fC4HzbSYX6WBY - The problem with buying sets, though, is that you'll end up always using the two or three tools you love, and the rest will just sit there.

If it were me though, I would buy one good gouge and a knife, start carving with those to find out what you like, and then build your collection from there (once you get a feel for carving you'll start thinking "boy, I really need a tool to do this one specific cut", then you go and find that tool). Pfiel is my go to brand and I've always been very happy with them. If you're going this route then buy this gouge - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032YV9LU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_lU4Hzb1AZGTFX - or this gouge - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032YZ7IQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_L54HzbA1GKG75 - (the only difference between the two is the type of handle) and a knife.

If you think you'll want to carve "in the round" (wood sculptures) then maybe just get started with a good knife and build a collection from there based on what you need.

If you're thinking of carving spoons (which I don't do much so the other guys will be able to offer better advice) then maybe a bent gouge like this - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008GMUZO/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_204HzbXFABDN4 - or a spoon knife like this - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ALUTDP6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_k24HzbHWKGPE9 - and, again, maybe a regular knife.

And most of all GOOD LUCK WITH RECOVERY! Carving might just be a great hobby to help because it keeps you focused, especially if you're doing detailed work. Feel free to PM me if you need anything.

Edit: Oh, and don't worry too much about sharpening right now. Sharpening can be tough to master, and if you buy a good quality tool then you won't need to sharpen for a while. You'll need a strop of some sort though to hone the edge from time to time, and this is what I've been using for a long time now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FX9MHIG/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_uA5Hzb9WTMR7J

It takes a while to do each serration, but once they are sharp they will cut for ages.

Once you do sharpen them, you can avoid having to use rods by stropping the serrations to quickly touch them up and keep them razor sharp. I use this chisel strop but you can also use a block of wood and stropping compound. You use the serrations on the knife to carve a set of grooves in the wood that match the serrations, then you rub the grooves with the stropping compound and run the serrations backwards over it.

Think of each serration as individual mini knives and sharpen accordingly.