Tool Recommendations

As a green woodworker, my tools are cherished items. They are crucial to my craft and allow me to access all the joy that the practice of carving brings. Navigating the plethora of available tools can be daunting. There are many manufacturers, as well as excellent independent makers, offering quality carving tools. This article is mainly directed towards beginners and participants who have recently been through my workshops and are looking for the tools that they used during their session. This is by no means a comprehensive list of spoon carving tools. These are the tools used by students in my workshop and some recommendations on upgrading your kit. Where possible, support small independent makers with a reputation for quality tools.

Tools used in the workshop:

• Straight / Slojd Knife: Mora 106

The Mora 106 is an excellent carving knife at its price point. Manufactured in Sweden since the late 1800’s, it is a quality carving knife that stands the test of time. While there are amazing hand forged slojd knives on the market, and I own many, the Mora 106 is the forever knife of many professional carvers. An excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.

• Hook Knife: Mora 164

Manufactured by the renowned above mentioned Morakniv, the Mora 164 is a good hook knife to get you started. Its curvature and blade geometry handle the task of hollowing a spoon bowl well. Read on for recommendations on upgrading.

• Axe: Roughneck Hickory Hatchet 600g

This axe, and other similar “hardware store” hatchets, can make for a good carving axe when modified to fit the purpose. At 600g and made of 5131 steel, it is easily sharpened and holds an edge well. Off the shelf, this axe will not perform as it did during your session with me. Nearly all axes that are readily available are ground with a convex bevel; good for all around use in the forest and for chopping wood, but not well suited for carving work. When modified to a flat (scandi) grind or hollow grind of the appropriate geometry, any similar axe will get you started carving. The axe that participants use in my workshop has been hollow (concave) ground and sharpened to perform as a carving axe. Read on for recommendations on upgrading your carving axe.

Recommendations for tool upgrades:

I want to say this first: Resist upgrading to a new tool until you know exactly what your current tool is doing for you, and how it could be better. It is easy to rely on the belief that a new tool will improve your spoon carving. With proper tuition and practice, the above listed tools will serve you well in your carving journey. Working with many learners over the years, it is both practice and learning the skill of truly sharpening your tools that I see as the biggest drivers of improvement. That said, there are a few quality, yet affordable, options to work towards from the tools used in my workshops. Namely your hook knife and axe. This is based on tools that I own or have used personally.

o   Robin Wood of Wood Tools offers an excellent line of beginners kit as well as professional grade options. His tools have the proper geometry and are of quality steel, making them ready to use out of the box. Made in Sheffield, England, the Small Carving Axe and Compound Curve Spoon Knife make for excellent, affordable options. Both his spoon knife and axe are where I suggest beginners begin their tool upgrading.

o   Dio and the team at The Spoon Crank offer access to excellent makers from around the world. Here you can find all things spoon carving. They are very knowledgeable and responsive, so reach out with questions if need be.

o   Adam Ashworth of Ash and Iron is an excellent independent maker of tools here in the UK. His hooks and sloyd knives are a must in my kit. Affordable and of excellent quality.

o   Maximilian Neukäufler of Woodsman’s Finest offers some of the highest quality axes and sloyd knives on the market. His axe, collaboratively forged with Fadir Tools of Ukraine, has been my steady hand from the beginning. Both his Journeyman and Wayfarer are exceptional tools.

o   Julia Kalthoff of Kalthoff Axes provides an excellent product for those looking for a lighter, smaller carving axe. Made in Sweden, her Small Carver 01 is an excellent lightweight carving axe.

Carving is a journey. I hope that these recommendations help guide you along that journey. As I said, there are many excellent makers in our world. Learn what your current tools do, and do not do, before buying new kit. Do your research, try the tools of other makers before buying, and where possible, support independent makers. Feel free to reach out with any questions or tuition! Happy Carving!