If you’re just starting, we strongly recommend beginning with Flexcut tools. A reliable whittling knife and a level 5 cut-resistant glove are the minimum essentials for safe, enjoyable carving, and Flexcut’s beginner-friendly line delivers both.
Flexcut also offers an affordable gouge set designed specifically for newcomers, giving you everything you need to dive right into your first projects.
Avoid cheap, low-quality sets that lose their edge quickly; otherwise, you’ll waste more time sharpening than carving.
We also recommend buying or making a strop to maintain your knife’s sharpness.
Local to San Francisco Bay Area
WoodCraft of San Carlos – provides a large variety of woodworking and woodcarving tools.
Hida Tool in Berkeley – supplies finest Japanese woodworking and woodcarving tools.
Suzuki-ya in Berkeley. Suzuki-ya is dedicated to bringing fine handmade Japanese tools to those who require a higher standard of quality for their professional and personal use.
National
Pfeil – provides large selection of tools to work with wood, linoleum, and leather
Morakniv – provides a large verity of wood carving and utility knives
Lee Ferguson Knives – handcrafted woodcarving and chip carving knives
Helvie Knives – provides very nice and sought-after woodcarving knives
Flexcut – Tools for Woodcarvers & Printmakers
Ramelson – is dedicated to providing the very best quality products and service
Chipping Away – If you order over $50.00 merchandise, you may get a 10% discount if you are a woodcarving club member.