Post #520895 by AlohaStation on Tue, Mar 30, 2010 6:35 AM

tikigodz - Below is an image from a while back, but it shows my preferred tools.

The hook blade is a great tool - fits nicely in my hand and it can hold almost any shape blade or chisel (I mostly use the hook blade seen $3/ea). The curve of the blades allows you to make nice deep plunge cuts without putting a lot of pressure into an awkward angle. The other is an Xacto knife with standard #11 blades, perfect for small detail. I usually wear out the rubber grip and replace it with tape. The only issue I have with them is that Xacto makes the shafts out of aluminum which can be stretched after a while (they won't screw in and won't hold the blades tight). No worries - a new handle is only $5 and a box of 100 blades is around $10 (a box of blades has lasted me 5 years, I've gone through MANY handles). Some blades last a long time, others only last a few cuts.

laojia - yes Walnut. I started off carving more exotic woods but found that I am allergic to many of the exotic woods (Koa, Paduak, Cocobolo, Purpleheart...). I really like the Walnut - its firm, holds detail great, and I have a pile of it. The wood should last a while since I'm only using small pieces at a time.