on carving tools

BEST RELIEF PRINTMAKING TOOL SETS FOR EVERY BUDGET

I often get this question, so I decided to write an article with some tips and suggestions for you.

What’s in a Printmaking Tool Set (and Why It Matters)

The best sets are more than a collection of tools. They’re a reflection of how you carve, your personal preference in the mark-making that you develop, if you have a heavy hand, and how each tool feels in your hand. Disclaimer: I am not being paid for this; I am simply sharing some tips I hope will be helpful to you.

The type of tools: what you will be looking for

Blades come in 4 shapes:

·       Knife: for cutting a “stopper” or defining a limiting line to protect your detail.

·       Flat head / Chisel: for removing larger areas after defining them with the knife. Also, for flattening carved-out areas and preventing undesirable noise in your white sections.

·       U gouges: for scooping out larger areas and creating uniform lines.

·       V gouges: for cutting fine lines and detail and for achieving line weight variability from thin to thick.

Look for blades made of high-carbon steel (they stay sharper longer) and handles that feel right in your hand. Some artists prefer the sturdiness of fixed blades, while others like the flexibility of interchangeable tips. I personally think changing tips is a waste of time.

HERE ARE THE BEST TOOL SETS BY PRICE (REAL VALUE AT EVERY LEVEL)

Printmaking doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy but knowing where to invest makes all the difference. You learn that by trying tools and understanding how you work.

Entry Level (Under $30): If you have no other choice

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get your hands dirty. Budget-friendly kits offer a gentle intro to relief printmaking. They are the most affordable and work well for linoleum; for wood, they can work, but they’re not my favorite.

Low Pick: Fiji Tools, avoid at all costs! You will spend more time sharpening than carving.
Top Pick: Speedball Linoleum Block Printing Starter Kit

·       Plastic handle that’s easy to hold

·       Offers interchangeable tips with 4–5 different types of cuts. If you don’t mind switching, you’re good.

Good to know: These tools aren’t designed for long-term use. Expect to upgrade once you get serious and reinvest the money from selling your first prints.

Mid Tier ($30–$100): Where Comfort Meets Craft

This is the zone where quality truly shines. Think sharper blades, a better grip, and a longer lifespan.

Medium Pick: Flexcut Printmaking Starter Set

· Palm-sized tools that feel amazing to use

· Razor-sharp blades out of the box; they come in a pretty cool leather case

·       Durable build for artists who stick with it

·       Includes a Slipstrop sharpening block that makes maintenance easy

Medium to high Pick: Josei Moku Hanga To

·       Handmade tools with the option of a more extended handle. I own 4 of these, and the U gouges are great!

·       The handle feels too long for me, but can be cut to fit better in your hand (from the tip of the middle finger to the thumb)

·       Nice blade, easy to sharpen and maintain. Solid quality for the price.

·       They look identical to Namisei (standard quality) tools, but these blades are hand forged from high and low carbon steels and hold an edge much longer. Namisei blades are machine-forged and may require more frequent sharpening.

Runner Up (Personal Favorite): Power Grip Japanese Woodcut Set

Sublime sharpness and perfect for fine detail work at a reasonable price.

·       In terms of affordability and durability, Power Grips are my go-to. For 30–45 dollars, you get a set of 5 good tools, and you’re ready to work.

·       I use these tools the most, especially while working on MDF or birch plywood. They cut well on linoleum; however, I have a heavy hand and feel they’re an overkill for lino, but they still work great.

·       Pro tip: wrap the handle with hockey tape for a better grip. Please don’t fall for quantity: it’s better to have five great tools than twenty average ones.

Premium ($100+): Lifetime Companions for Serious Artists

If you’re all in, professionally or passionately, a premium tool set is worth every penny.

Top Pick for Linoleum: Pfeil Swiss Made Linoleum and Block Cutting Tools

I recently got a set of these tools, and they are great!

·       Swiss craftsmanship at its finest

·       Incredibly precise, beautifully balanced; the U gouge is incredible

·       The handle is very comfortable for long carving sessions

·       They stay sharp for a long time

·       I personally don’t use them for wood, only linoleum

Top Pick for Wood: Futatsu Wari Moku Hanga To

I first saw my favorite artist, Mazalt, using these on Instagram, and I've wanted to try them ever since. I got these pieces à la carte due to their high price, but they are great tools with Japanese design and quality. (After I sold my first print to a museum, I bought one of these.)

·       The handle opens and allows the long blade to be replaced and resharpened, so you have a tool for years

·       The handle is small and fits well in the hand

·       Often, the 0.5 mm V gouge is something people seek because they want fine lines; however, when it’s this fine, it’s counterproductive and sometimes doesn’t work well. It’s better to get the 1 mm and control your pressure to achieve fine lines without the wood chipping.

Where to Buy Your Tools

Buying online is easy, but make sure it’s legit. Look for detailed product descriptions, genuine artist reviews, and fair return policies.

Reliable Sites:

·       Blick Art Materials (USA): Trusted by artists

·       Jackson’s Art Supplies (UK/EU): Global reach, great selection

·       McClain’s (USA): ask for Daniel Jasa, he is the best

·       Amazon: Convenient, but vet the sellers

In-person bonus: Local art stores let you test the feel of tools, something online photos can’t replicate. You can also find tools at printmaking conference vendor fairs and try them out.

FAQs: Real Answers for Real Artists

Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Start simple, grow smart. Many artists mix tools from different brands as they level up and learn what works for them.

Which tools wear out first?
Cheap blades. Invest in replacements or sharpeners early. If you decide to sharpen them yourself, you will probably mess them up at first (part of the learning curve). Consider shipping your tools to a professional sharpener like Daniel Jasa at McClain’s.

Should I get a Kit or à la carte?
Kits are great to start. Over time, you’ll know which individual tools are worth buying separately.

Do linoleum and wood require different tools?
Not always, but tougher woods call for tougher tools. If you’re moving into Woodcut, upgrade accordingly.

Products / Tools / Resources

Here are the top tools and brands mentioned in this guide:

·       Speedball Linoleum Block Printing Starter Kit: Budget intro

·       Flexcut Printmaking Starter Set: Mid-tier excellence

·       Pfeil Swiss Made Carving Tools: Top of the line craftsmanship

·       Power Grip Japanese Woodcut Set: For precision perfection on a budget

·       Blick Art Materials: Trusted U.S. supplier

·       Jackson’s Art Supplies: Great international options

·       McClain’s: Many options for great Japanese carving tools.

·       Amazon: For convenience (with caution)