Wood Carving Full-Size Chisels

There is indeed a variety of different carving tools out there, no doubt. All of them have their own purpose and meaning, all of them are designated to do some things and to not do some things. It can be difficult to stop your choice on one of those. It also is rather difficult depending on where you live, what community surrounds you and what you actually do with those instruments.

In Europe, for example, it’s more common to use gouges than knives because they can execute the same things more thoroughly, even though it might take a little more time. However, in the US people mostly use carving knives for general work and chisels come into the process only for detailing stuff. So, what’s so good about full-size chisels that would make you want to try them out?

Full-size Chisels – pros

First of all, it’s worth mentioning, for sure, that there are different types of full-size chisels. They are called full-size simply because there are smaller tools such as compact chisels. And the full-sized ones can be long bent gouges or straight flat chisels as well as the straight rounded ones. Their difference is in the shape and purpose.

Long bent ones are perfect for scoops or spoon carving (any concave shapes, really) and they have quite a big shaft to hold onto with both hands whereas the straight ones serve to rough out the wood piece or add details onto it, depending on the sweep (curvature angle) and its width. So, basically, large chisels are great multipurpose tools that can serve a large variety of needs and are of a full-size (more preferable for you if you have big hands, for example).

Large Chisels – cons

Of course, where’s good, there’s bad as well. For those of you who haven’t worked with anything but a carving knife, chisels may (and probably will) seem like a waste. It’s another alternative for the same thing the knives can do, isn’t it? Not entirely, but in some ways – yes.

It’s easier to work on details with thin rounded gouges and it’s certainly easier to create spoons with bent gouges than with a simple knife, but for general whittling or chip carving you might not feel a lot of difference. So the advice here would be to try out and then decide what feels better for you personally.

Another thing with the chisels is that it’s a tool that can be used with a mallet or hammer for additional pressure. It’s not required, but can be done and some people prefer only palm work on their carvings. Here at BeaverCraft we support the idea from time to time, so some of our large chisels are palm tools that are not to be used with additional force tools such as hammers or mallets, but some of them can be used with those.

Long Bent Gouges from BeaverCraft – about

So now that we know what’s good and bad about these tools, let’s figure out what’s good about BeaverCraft long bent gouges and chisels! We do care about the quality and customer experience, so create only the most optimal tools for you to use. We also always appreciate feedback and welcome new ideas so if you’ve got something – please, share!

All the tools we create, including straight flat chisels, are made with light wooden shafts for you to feel comfortable and relaxed while you carve. Hand fatigue can be a serious problem, especially if you carve for a long time, so don’t worry about it here – BeaverCraft took care of it and created ergonomically designed tool handles for you to enjoy.

What’s more, the razors are of very tough carbon steel, especially good for woodworking tools of any kind. It holds the edge better, cuts through both hard and soft woods and is generally preferred for working with wood. So, you’ll get a comfortable sharp tool to work with any kind of wood and any skill level.

Straight Flat Chisels – worth purchase from BeaverCraft

All in all, it’s only up to you to decide whether or not you want straight flat chisels or any other kind on your workbench. The best advice here would be to think of why you’re looking for new tools, look through the reviews and other people’s opinions (watching video tutorials would be of great assistance here) and make a decision after. Don’t rush it and you’ll be sure – you got only the most needed and the best in quality instruments from BeaverCraft!

FAQ for Full-Size Chisels