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A strop is only for honing (the final step to achieving a razor-sharp edge), while a whetstone could be used for anything from shaping the initial bevel to honing, depending on the grit.

If you do buy some Flexcut knives, which I highly recommend, you will probably only need a strop if you properly maintain them. In fact, they recommend you never use a whetstone and only opt for a Powerstrop if you neglect them for too long.

Many sites will recommend you buy tools one by one so you can get what you need, but as another beginner, I was extremely happy I purchased the Flexcut Deluxe Set. It was probably one more knife and one more palm tool than I needed, but it helped me understand what was out there and how to use them. A good, cheaper alternative might be this set.

No matter what you buy, one of the most important things to do from both a safety and usability (and enjoyment!) factor is to keep your tools as sharp as possible. That way it requires less force to move the tool through the wood, which is a common injury mechanism, and it makes it easier to create fun things. For the weird angles with V and gouge tools, I use another Flexcut invention. It works okay, but you can get the same results with folded sandpaper or other methods. I also bought a fullsize knife strop because it really does make a difference and you can get some with a lot more surface area. I haven't needed to buy a whetstone yet.

Also, I've since supplemented my starter set with Dockyard tools, which also come very sharp and keep their edge well. So far I've only used their micro tools, but I understand they have decent sets as well.

Speaking from unfortunate experience, you should definitely pick up a pair of kevlar gloves. I had a pretty serious hand injury (partially severed tendon) because I was just doing some touchups and wasn't using my gloves and got a bit sloppy. It only takes one single wrong stroke, and I had gotten complacent since I'd been so careful in the past. The gloves let me be more reckless and have definitely saved me from cuts, although they wouldn't protect against a stabbing cut. Thumb guards are also popular, but I don't actually like them very much. The gloves are nice because you can get a great grip on the tools.

When you have a knife or a set, you'll need some wood to practice on. I found ebay to be a great resource...just search for "basswood" and pick a few different sizes. 2x2x6 seems to be a good starting point to me. Make sure it is kiln-dried as well. Here is a good assortment that is pretty cheap. Butternut is another good choice, but for a beginner, I'd stick with basswood from personal experience.

Finally, if you are wanting a good book to introduce you to the subject, I'd recommend the Complete Book of Woodcarving. I've bought a number of books on the subject, but it is definitely the best if you are only buying one and need an overview to the entire craft. Old Time Whittling is only 30 pages, but gave some great examples and was very useful to me as well.

Wow are you every lucky, that's some nice stuff there once you clean it up and if you take care of it.

For carving with gouges I strongly recommend these three books:

Chris Pye's Woodcarving Course

Chris Pye's - Woodcarving Tools, Materials & Equipment vol. 1

[Chris Pye's - Woodcarving Tools, Materials & Equipment vol. 2](
https://www.amazon.com/Woodcarving-Tools-Materials-Equipment-2/dp/1861082029/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466087662&sr=8-2&keywords=Chris+Pye)

As a beginner I found them immensely useful to learn how to properly use and take care of my tools. If you use gouges wrongly not only do you create dangerous situations for yourself but also you tend to do worse work at much more effort than required. The first book above is great for teaching you how to use the tools, it does so by walking you through some projects and teaching you the grips to use and such. It's really good. The other two books are like encyclopedia's practically on how to look after that good quality gear you have. They'll tell you everything you need to know and more about them, like what those numbers are on the tangs (the "sweep" of the gouge) and how to sharpen a v-tool (those V shaped gouges you've got there).

For the stones I think you've lucked into something there. I used to restore straight razors as a hobby and those guys are insane sharpening fanatics and know a ton about sharpening stones. If you went to talk to them I bet they could identify the stones for you dead on. This is where they hang out. If you went on their forums I'm sure they'd love to help you figure out what the various stones are. In my experience old stones your grandpa used to have that you find outclass modern stuff by a mile and a half so long as you use them properly. I've seen it again and again when guys luck into finds like yours on that forum heh.

The knife on the far left is a good knife I'm jealous of. You could use that for any kind of knife carving work you see out there (caricatures, bird carving, etc..) not just chip carving. If you get into that make sure you get one of these and try to find some of this high friction guard tape for your knife holding thumb. That tape is the best stuff on earth and has saved my thumb from being cut in half many a time.

Finally pay close attention to what syntax said about needing a strop, that's super important as you'll learn. Just buy your own leather and glue it down to some MDF with 5-minute epoxy and then rub honing compound into the leather. Use this frequently as you work.

Oh and final bit of advice is one power tool every carver needs is a band saw, like you say to cut out patterns and do bulk wood removal. If you haven't got one make friends with someone who does quick!

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

Careful of tool sets advertised online. Good tools for beginners are Drake, Mainly for their knives, although all their tools are good. I use their Standard Detail Knife, mine is the egronomic handle at 1 3/4 though you may want a smaller blade. There are other good knife makers, Morakniv etc. Flexcut, Not fond of their knives, but their chisels are good, also I always recommend flexcut for beginners because they aren't very expensive yet will not let you down. I own the interchangeable, namely the 11 pc. and 21 pc. deluxe set, although they do smaller sets.

Good chisel makers are Ashley Iles, Pfeil, Two Cherries, Henry Taylor, Auriou, Stubai, Addis (antique, can find them on ebay etc.), Dastra. There's more but these names are fairly common among woodcarvers, especially Pfeil, though I prefer Ashley Iles. These are considered professional tools and can be quite pricey, last tool I bought was a Pfeil short bent V Tool that ran nearly 50$. You can see why I recommend Flexcut (For chisels, if you go beyond just knives) to start, you get more bang for your buck and can round out a set of chisel profiles (Or sweeps) fairly cheap. Then acquire more professional tools a little at a time. Avoid cheap no name chisels, most likely crappy steel Chinese junk that will just make your woodcarving experience piss poor.

You'll need a sharpening stone and strop, with some strop compound. I use a Norton Wide Soft Arkansas stone with their oil. And a Horse Butt Strop. You can use either Flexcut gold compund or Green Coumpond , either are good. I also have a Slick Stick Strop that helps with stropping the various contours on woodcarving chisels ( I've had this thing for like 11 years). Slip Stones are helpful as well to hone the inside of curved or v tool chisels, again I use the Soft Arkansas.

Wood you can get online, Look for Basswood on amazon or even Ebay, you can also find Butternut (White Walnut) on ebay which is a great carving wood.

Mind I'm not trying to overwhelm with info, most folks are happy with just a knife and wood to carve (with the sharpening supplies of course) I would actually recommend you start that way, if you find you enjoy it you can dive in further.

Here is a decent set of palm gouges to start. They're good for carvings up to about 12" or so.

You also need a decent knife. These are available on Amazon. I'm not familiar with these knives, but Ramelson ha a pretty good reputation.


However, if you are really interested in carving, This knife is an excellent knife and comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

btw: It would have been better to start a new post rather than replying to an older post :)

Not sure about the specific knife linked to, but what you're looking for is a hook knife. Here's an amazon link: http://amzn.to/1gM5iIp or just do a google search for hook knife. Roy Underhill has a pretty good video of a spoon carver using one in episode S06e02. I tried to find a link to the episode, but the best I could do is a promo from youtube: http://bit.ly/1fKRppr. Your local PBS affiliate (presuming you're in the US) likely has the episode available to watch for free. Otherwise there are plenty of youtube videos detailing the use of a hook knife as well. I hope this helps.

Seriously consider an inexpensive Mora or two (I'd recommend the Mora 120 or Mora 122 or both) as a great starting place.

You won't know what you want until you noodle around a bit, so skip buying a great custom carving knife (though when you do, let me recommend Deepwoods Ventures as another solid option).

Play around with an inexpensive knife or two and figure out all the usual questions. What handle makes you happy? Are you a chip carver? What blade shape makes you happy? Is relief carving really your thing? Etc.

Also, don't let some random Internet nut try to tell you there are any hard and fast rules to how you should spend your time.

Depending on where you are from Woodcraft is a great place to get your tools. All the guys in there are woodcarvers and are generally super nice and informative. Here's a link to their locations.

Wood types: Basswood/Lime and or Butternut are good, soft woods for beginners.

Projects: Look for woodcarving books with the step to step instructions with pictures. Books by Chris Pye are pretty good. This book is the one I started out of, doing the simple bird project which was greatly detailed and pretty easy to do!

I'm a beginner who probably has more money than skill, but I would absolutely recommend a Flexcut set. This would be a great choice on a budget.

Most important thing is to make sure you keep the tools as sharp as possible. Flexcut makes a "variable" strop that works on a bunch of different tools and comes with polishing compound.

If you only want to buy a knife, Mora is a great alternative to Flexcut. A knife similar to the KN12 should be roughly the same cost-wise. You can make your own strop out of an old leather belt glued to some wood, so just do some research online for more info and then all you need to buy is some polishing compound.

I bought and used these tools. There are better tools out there, but these are okay to start with. The knives aren’t set perfectly inside the handles so I hammered wood wedges in the sides to keep the blade from wiggling in the handle. The wooden handles are made out of olive wood (I think) and they are a little bulky. I had to carve down a little of the handle myself to fit it in my hand. My biggest issue with this product is that the tool roll they come in is not waxed or waterproofed. So if you get the roll wet with the tools inside, they will rust.
It’s always good to start out with the inexpensive tools first before moving on to the pricier ones.
I still use these knives here.

That's not the set I have but they look like they're pretty much the same tools with different handles (I got a this set). I think they will be fine. I actually do prefer the longer handles.

In my experience they really did come 'sharp and ready to go' in that you don't necessarily have to take a stone to them to make them functional, but I would also get him some generic green chromium oxide stropping compound and an old belt. That takes them from 'sharp' to sharp. He will certainly want to have stones eventually but he will probably be able to just open them, strop them, and have them be ready to go.

One knock is that the tools are really quite small. Like if I would be unhappy if I had to carve a normal-sized spoon without something bigger for the roughing out.

Guess I'm the only one with this issue, but it's now solved.

My Kutzall Dove Tail Rasp came in today and just sampled it out. WOW! It does just what I hoped it would.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037MFG4I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Linked if you're so interested in the bit.

Now, I can move forward and proportion the body, shape and add fur! WHOA! Life is good again!

​

Which would be easier to start with? I see the benefit of both. Do you have a rotary tool that you would recommend? I've browsed around and was thinking about the Dremel 4000 here but part of me wants to go the hand route....I can do that inside my house without pissing anyone off as much with a rotary. Any recommendations on knives and micros? What about there and here. I'd like to stay under or around $100.00 on my first go of tools. Thanks again

Yeah, it is. Flexcut makes great equipment, I've got a fair number of their tools myself. Personally, I'd spend a bit more and get this set, which will really open your options up and make it easier to create:

http://www.amazon.com/Beginner-Palm-and-Knife-Set/dp/B005EG033Y

The flexcut tools are so well made you only need a strop to keep them honed if you take care of them...no need for a sharpening stone(s).

I do a type of carving I picked up in Japan called Ichii Ittobori which uses a special set of small hand tools. You can easily pick up a small set like these, or these, or these and carry them and a piece of wood around with you wherever you go. Make sure you get the correct orientation for right- or left-handedness (yes, it matters).

The tools and wood are meant to carve small pieces, too, so it's not like you're going to be working on a project the size of a loaf of bread. This makes the wood a lot easier to pack around.

For reference, here's a recent project I just completed in Yew wood.

Just remember to check them if you're going on a plane, or they'll be confiscated!

I like to wear one of these on my hand used to hold the piece, and one of these on the thumb of my knife holding hand.

You're out almost nothing, and you'll have some really great protection that wont hinder your dexterity.

Unfortunately, most cheap sets aren't worth buying. A nice combo set, which has the two most common types of blades and the two most common types of "gouges" can be had for around $55. This, IMHO, is a great starter kit.

Do you think he'd be more interested in carving figures, like whittling, or relief carving, which is like creating scenes on flat panels?

It's really a matter of personal taste. I prefer Pfeil tools which can be bought online. i've always found their steel to be far superior, especially when it comes to retaining an edge. A bit more money, but for me......I only wanted to buy once.

That being said, FlexCut makes some nice tools as well

https://www.flexcut.com/home/category/wood-carving-tools and there used to be a guy that did some really nice videos using their tools.

by this guy...David Bennet

https://www.amazon.com/Flexcut-Carving-Instructional-Bennett-Minutes/dp/B0040M5W0C

Okay, thanks. Would this be a good starter set you think? Then if I enjoy it enough and get some more cash pick up some of the north forge ones eventually.

I have pfeil and stubai and a variety of one-off I have bought over the years.

That said there is a new company that does short runs of full-sized tools you’d use for relief carving. I just bought their their 12 piece set and it is the best value hands down in terms of quality of what you get for the price I’ve seen. At $89 they will sell out soon:

SCHAAF Full Size Wood Carving Tools, Set of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBLNRNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Q2UOBbT21J0VY

I had a few chances to use it. Honestly, it was a waste of money. It was extremely dull when it came in. I’d suggest buying individual knives after having experienced both. I ended up buying a mora 120 and a mora 164 and I am very happy with them. You’re better off buying high quality knives. It’ll save you money in the long run.

Flexcut makes good stuff. Something like this or this would probably make you happy.

Grab a nice starter knife. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GATX62/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That knife and a few blocks of basswood was enough to make me fall in love in carving. If you decide you like it and want to start carving more details into your works you can grab some chisels.

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Carving-Tools-Seven-Piece/dp/B0037MI3K2/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i4?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B0037MI3K2&pd_rd_r=BGGJB52PAYA1T0HS96E0&pd_rd_w=rod12&pd_rd_wg=6RHP4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=1P6DCGHZDPEYM542SBQ7&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

Hi there. I saw this comment of yours from a month ago and I'm thinking about buying the same knife you bought.
How do you like it? How did sharpening go for you? Have you had a chance to use it much? Thanks in advance.

Well, if you are looking for a wide variety of tools: i started with these

Though to start you would probably do fine with just a knife

or if you want to spend a little more you can't go wrong with drake

It's tough to recommend a knife as a starting point though. Obviously I don't want to say "You need to go out and spend a bunch of money, or you'll regret it" Because the truth is you would probably be fine with the knife sets you were looking at before.

I would say 1 good quality knife is better than 5 poor quality knives though. I have no personal experience with the sets you were looking at, but I have seen a few random posts where people have expressed that the sets they found at hobby lobby didn't hold their edges very well, which can be a frustrating experience.

At the same time, spending 10 dollars on a set of knives, might be all you need to decide if you are into the hobby or not and want to spend more money on it. It's tough. I would however go into that situation knowing that if you spend 10 dollars on a set of 5 knives, odds are good in a short amount of time if you decide you are into the hobby, you will feel their lack and want better knives.

Rasps are really not what a beginner woodcarver/whittler needs. I would suggest something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792BXHBD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Many brands have identical offerings. Best to you.

Thanks! The two things I tried to improve for #2 were handle and bowl width. The first spoon was very unbalanced (the bowl was too heavy) and I was afraid the handle would snap with just a little torque.

I started the first handle by cutting the very end down to what I thought would be the proper width, and then I started working my way up the handle, trying to match that width. But as I tried evening out each section, the whole thing kept getting thinner and thinner, until it became way thinner than I had originally planned. So with the second handle, I basically worked my way up and down the length of the handle as I went (taking off an 1/8 inch or so at a time). I left it thicker intentionally until the "end" of the project, so that any evening out I did wouldn't cause it to become too thin again.

For the bowl, I just cut closer to the edge on the second try. As u/Ddosvulcan suggested, I tried pushing the limits to see how thin I could get it.

For tools, I got this knife set on Amazon and these wood blocks. I did not have gloves for the first spoon. I picked up a pair of those and really like them (link here). I also sanded and oiled the second one, and that made a big difference aesthetically.

Edit: I almost forgot, this video helped a lot with learning the basic cuts!

Flexcut makes good carving tools at reasonable prices. This is a great starter set, IMHO.

Flexcut Beginner Palm & Knife Set, All-Purpose Cutting Knife and Detail Knife Included, with 2 Palm Tools (KN600) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EG033Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XORFDb8F3QMA6

This. What I think I'm seeing is a carving kit assembled to do woodblock print carving (they use linoleum because it's softer and more consistent than wood. carefully cut away negative space, roll with ink, make a woodblock print)

I agree you need a sturdier fixed blade knife if you want to whittle/carve larger things. I really like a flat-edged blade...almost exactly like this one Honestly this knife can do almost anything that a whole set of chisels and v-tools can do, just a little slower. (although a v-tool is awesome for details/lines and chisels can be nice for weird nooks and carving details in hair sometimes)

I don't have these and I don't carve, but I've seen them recommended here and have them saved for future me:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBLNRNM/

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

Yeah that's unfortunate man. I would just reprofile the entire edge. Is there a reason why you didn't get a mora? It isn't really that expensive in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.com/Mora-Wood-Carving-Tool-106/dp/B06XTNYHP8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538751071&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+106

https://www.amazon.ca/Morakniv-Carving-Knife-Laminated-2-4-Inch/dp/B004GATX62

If money is tight that's cool I get it. Make this one work, remove the secondary bevel in favor of just 1 primary bevel that goes from middle of the blade to the actual edge.

Carving knives NEED to be scandi. There really is no better grind for carving. Especially for a beginner.

I've been carving for 6 years now and all my carving knives are mora with scandi grinds.

I started with this set and I still use at least 3 out of 4 on every carving.

Flexcut Beginner Palm & Knife Set, All-Purpose Cutting Knife and Detail Knife Included, with 2 Palm Tools (KN600) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EG033Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_w-VPDb54HSEN0


Doug Linker has some great videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLMAepy0T3Hx35yE20ZuUUdSTrrEHV09s

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLMAepy0T3HzRa-c6yyXLbgFxGfPH7tHW

I used this little guy. Works like a charm.

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

For some reason I am always squeamish when it come to carving with Xacto knives.. I think it may be because of how thin the blades are which would make them easier to break. I would say save up the extra $20-$30 and by one of these sets.

http://www.amazon.com/Flexcut-Tool-Knife-Carving-Set/dp/B003Z7XNUO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410631466&sr=8-2&keywords=flex+cut

http://www.amazon.com/Beginner-Palm-and-Knife-Set/dp/B005EG033Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410631466&sr=8-3&keywords=flex+cut

These sets will last you forever and can be resharpened with out any problem.

Thanks!
For both the carvings I use a Morakniv for the shaping of the general figure. (The yggdrasil one is a square, so no shaping ;)).

And for the general engraving, carbon paper for transfering the pattern and a Pfeil 9/4 gouge that really makes wonders, for working the bits that are too small for the gouge I use the knife again.

There are lots of different tool makers, here's a couple of detail knives that are decent price.

R. Murphy Detail Knife

Flexcut Detail Knife

I'd recommend staying away from the Mora knives. They tend to be longer and a little unwieldy. I think the blade is close to 2 1/4 inches whereas the Flexcut and Murphy knives I listed above are 1 1/2 inches.

For gouges, v-tools, and chisels, Flexcut Craft Carver Set (5pc) is a decent price as well. It's an interchangeable blade set, I started carving with it and still use it to this day.

Another thing you'll want to invest in is a strop and compound. Stropping your blade blade regularly will keep it sharp. Amazon has them if you search for "strop block" or "strop paddle". The sharpening compound I use is a chromium oxide bar or Flexcut Gold.

I've got one of these and I like it a lot, but I recall paying only about $70 for it. Not sure why the price increased so dramatically over the last five years.

Thanks for the answers, unfortunately the shipping, duties, and exchange would cost me a lot for those :p

What do you think about these:

gouge set

• Basic Carving Sets $66
  
  
• Block Cutters $62
  
  
• Japanese Detail Carving Tools $55
  
  knife
  
  
• [ Flexcut Chip-Carving Set] (http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=75163&cat=1,130,43332,43339&ap=1) $50
  
  
• Flexcut Cutting Knife $27
  
  
• Morakniv Wood Carving 120
  $31
  
  
  I also found a mix:
  
  
• Flexcut Beginner Palm & Knife Set $77
  
  but idk if 4 tools is worth $77
  
  

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 have a similar set. I really enjoy how compact this set is since there is only one handle. I didn't get the 11 piece, mine was a beginners kit with some wood and booklet and honing kit, but you can buy more gouges as you need them.

Yeah, it is. I bought it based on a recommendation. Luckily I had cut resistant gloves so I could get a grip on part of the blade and get more accurate cuts. But if you look at my first project, they didn't really require and details. It was just getting the feel of working with the wood.

Here is what I purchased. I prefer the fixed blades as opposed to the ones where you can switch them out. I haven't had a single issue with the knife quality. Both of the gouges work well for me. One is a 70 degree cut and the other is curved.

That is super cheap for a knife. Morakniv makes decent quality cheap knives for beginners. I can't even imagine how bad that steel is

Edit: Morakniv Wood Carving 120 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 2.4-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GATX62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kD.KDbBB5VHQ1

Morakniv Wood Carving 164 Hook Knife with Carbon Steel Blade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00343VCCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_avYFrR8BvNjYg

I used a morakniv carving knife for the entire carving. This is the exact one I bought Morakniv Wood Carving 120 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 1.9-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GATX62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_XcePFM5ymJj2o

Morakniv Wood Carving 120 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 2.4-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GATX62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FQH6BbJ0F936A

I used a starter set of carving chisels [like these] (http://www.amazon.com/Starter-Set-of-5-Tools/dp/B001UYQPNG/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1411898341&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=starter+carving+chisel+blades) but not those exact ones, and then this [Xacto carving set] (http://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X5175-Deluxe-Woodcarving-Set/dp/B00004Z2UD) when I got to the finer details.

I would start off with Wood Carving Tools Set for Spoon Carving 3 Knives in Tools Roll Leather Strop and Polishing Compound Hook Sloyd Detail Knife (Right-Handed Spoon Carving Knives) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792BXHBD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l9wiDbTA50CPG

Not sure if OP used this, but I've heard of others using it for the same application (and have been meaning to get one myself):

Morakniv Wood Carving 164 Hook Knife with Carbon Steel Blade

No. Check out this thread

[The Mora 120](Morakniv Wood Carving 120 Knife with Laminated Steel Blade, 1.9-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GATX62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_33wyyb6HJVJC3) is affordable and on Amazon