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Classical Wood Carving: Supply List

The list of tools below is a flexible guide. It comprises a good, general set of tools that covers a lot of potential needs in all areas of carving. If your tools vary somewhat from the sizes listed, that’s okay. You should bring whatever tools you have, use, and are familiar with.

  • Pencil and sketching paper
  • Carbon paper
  • Carver’s Mallet (somewhere between 1 lb. and 1.5 lb.) Wooden mallet is preferable 
  • #12 sweep, 10mm v-chisel (60 degree angle)
  • #2 sweep, 18-20mm straight gouge
  • #3 sweep, 25mm straight gouge
  • #3 sweep, 8mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #3 sweep, 3mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #5 sweep, 6mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #5 sweep, 14mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #5 sweep, 18-20mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #7 sweep, 6mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #7 sweep, 16mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #8 sweep, 20mm straight gouge OR fishtail
  • #11 sweep, 3mm straight gouge OR fishtail

Note : Full-size gouges (9” to 11”) are preferable

  • Any sharpening equipment you may already have and are familiar with.
  • Any carving gouges you may have that are not on this list, including old and inherited tools. 
  • Wet / dry sand paper 320, 1000, 2500, 4000 grit assortment OR, 3M Micro-Abrasive for sharpening that includes: (15 micron (approx. 1000x) (5 micron (approx. 2500x) and the 0.5 micron (approx. 9000x)

Where to Purchase Tools:

Pfeil (also referred to as Swiss Made) carving tools and I have listed two sources below. Woodcraft sells them singly. Supplies are often limited, so order early in case of backorders.