The Best Carving Chisels for Sculpting Masterpieces

The Best Carving Chisel Buying Guide

There are many things to consider before buying carving chisels; every woodworker (from novices to experts) needs tools they feel comfortable using to improve their confidence as a carver and make their projects the best they can be. We’ve written a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about carving chisels and how to choose the best set for you!

What do you use carving chisels for?

Wood carving chisels are used for shaping and detailing wood. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different carving techniques and styles. Some common uses are:

Roughing out: Removing large chunks of wood to shape the overall form of the piece.

Detail work: Adding fine details, such as lines, textures, and intricate patterns.

Smoothing surfaces: Refining the surface of the wood to achieve a smooth finish.

Creating joints: Crafting precise joints for furniture making or other woodworking projects.

Hollowing: Carving out hollows or concave shapes, often used in bowl carving or creating recesses.

Types of Chisels

There are many different types of chisels, but here are five of the most commonly used ones in woodworking:

Framing Chisel

Designed for heavy-duty woodworking tasks, especially timber framing and log construction, framing chisels are the “OGs” of the chisel family. They are used for cutting mortises and tenons, shaping large pieces of wood, and other robust carving tasks. They typically have a long, thick blade and a sturdy handle, sometimes reinforced with a metal hoop to withstand mallet blows.

Paring Chisel

Pairing chisels are used for fine, delicate work and for shaving thin slices of wood. They are ideal for fitting joints, cleaning up rough edges, and precise shaping tasks. Pairing chisels have a long, thin blade and are generally used with hand pressure rather than a mallet. The blade is often beveled at a shallow angle.

Skew Chisel

Great for detailed work and making angled cuts. It is often used to finish cuts on spindle work and create V-grooves and other fine details. The blade is angled (skewed) relative to the handle, which allows for more control in fine, detailed cuts.

Fishtail Chisel

Fishtail chisels are excellent for getting into tight spaces and corners that others can’t reach. It is commonly used in intricate woodworking and fine detailing. The blade flares out from the handle in a shape resembling a fishtail, providing a wide cutting edge that tapers to a narrow base.

Blunted Chisel

These chisels are often used in sculpting and rough shaping, where a more aggressive, less precise cut is acceptable. It can be useful for texturing surfaces or removing large amounts of material quickly. The cutting edge is blunted rather than sharp, allowing for a more rugged approach to carving.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Carving Chisels

Material Quality

Look for high-carbon steel or tool steel, which hold an edge longer and are more durable. Hardwood handles (like ash, oak, or hornbeam) are preferred because they’re comfortable to hold. Plastic handles can be rougher on the hands after prolonged use.

The Blade

A poorly designed blade or a blade made with poor-quality material will only cost you more money in the long run, as you’ll have to keep replacing your chisels. The blade’s sharpness is heavily influenced by the quality of the steel used. High-carbon steel is preferred for carving chisels because it can stay sharp after prolonged usage. Look for chisels made from premium steels like carbon steel or tool steel, as they maintain sharpness through extended use. Some chisels may require initial sharpening out of the box!

Ergonomics and Comfort

The handles of the chisels should fit comfortably in your hand so you don’t become fatigued after extended use. A well-balanced chisel is easier to control and less tiring to use.

Maintenance

Chisels that are easy to sharpen will save you time and effort. Check whether the chisels require special maintenance or sharpening tools. Some blades might need frequent honing or sharpening, while others maintain their edge longer. Understanding the maintenance requirements can help you choose chisels that fit your skill level and available tools.

Your Skill Level

Beginner: Look for beginner-friendly chisel sets that include a variety of basic tools like straight chisels, gouges, and V-parting tools. These sets provide a good foundation without overwhelming you with too many options.

Intermediate: As your skills grow, invest in more specialized chisels to tackle a wider range of projects. Look for tools that fill gaps in your current set.

Advanced: Advanced carvers should invest in chisels made from high-quality steel with superior edge retention. These tools offer precision and durability for intricate and demanding projects.