Thread: Which brand is better

Hi section 1

I don't know about Auriou but I have used pfeil chisels for 15 years I have found them to be faultless. I have used very large one's and very small one's and on hard wood and on soft wood. They hold a very nice edge for a long time (lot of work) I love them. Hope this is of some help.

I see set of phiel on Carba tec site and I saw the other on lie nielson. I'm looking at getting a set but not sure which way to turn. I know phiel has a good name but I also LN stocks quality tools. have a read on their website what they say about it and let me know what you think.

Pfeil by a long shot I have been carving for the last 14 yrs ,I have a monster size line up of carving tools most brands but 90% are pfeil as I found there edge keeps better when you use them every day

I agree with NZ Carver. Yes Chris Pye is a mastercarver but how much was he paid for this review?

Pfeil is very good.

I don't have that many chisels as I only use them about 20% of the time. I started out with cast offs from various friends and relatives but gradually built up a set of Phiel chisels of the shapes I required (as I required them... not all at once). I'm of the opinion that most 'top shelf' brands will perform comparably. They don't get 'top shelf' reputations for nothing. Phiel are as good as any in my limited experience.

If and it's a BIG IF the carving tools to get your hands on are the old pfeil I mean like from 10 15 yrs back they are the ducks nuts I'd say most of my line up are old tools 15 yrs and up in age I find that the old tools are the best

All very good but can I ask are your opinions formed on the basis that Phiel is easily accessible through Carba tec, I don't doubt that they are good chisels and for the most part are $40 cheaper due to Carba tec's price reduction and you do get 1 extra chisel than you will with LN. I also don't doubt that LN paid Chris to endorse those chisels but would he risk his reputation by giving false information.

Please take the time to read what he say's

"Auriou woodcarving tools have been among my favourites since I began carving. Uniquely their blades are forged by beating out a blank of steel to length before hammering the cross-section profile. This creates a very resilient grain structure in the metal which, when hardened to Rockwell 58C, underpins their great edge-holding properties.

I recently had the privilege of working with Auriou on a re-design of their woodcarving tools. The new gouges have the older, ‘allongee’ style of blade that splays from the shoulder: they are lighter to use, the corners are more available for cutting, and their thin walls are of a uniform thickness.

I’m confident that you have here some of the finest carving tools being made today and I’m proud to endorse both the tools and the caring, traditional manner in which they are made."

Now the question are Phiel chisels made in the same fashion. Out of interest what type does he use because it's clear he doesn't use those which means nothing to be honest why buy a new set when you already have one but quality is important to me and yes I wouldd prefer the cheaper ones but am not willing to compromise on quality.

So far everyone suggested Pfeil but I think you should get Auriou.

Even here in Canada, Pfeil prices vary by vendor. It really depends on shopping around. Having said that, they are worth any quibbling price difference.

There are a couple of guys, like Rick Weibe, that I'd buy from and not blink.

Me? Personally? If you want European-style, conventional, wood carving tools,
Pfeil, Ashley Iles and Stubai need a look.
I buy crooked knives from Mora (Sweden) and the Haida-style blades from LV.

If you have no idea about "carving sharp", look elsewhere.

lol why do you suggest Auriou over Phiel.

Possibly, it is the simple matter of brand loyalty. Possibly, it is the simple matter of buying a tool of known steel (and sharpening) quality. Personally, I no longer care if the tool arrives as dull as a stump. If I can be assured that the steel is excellent, I'll make that tool carving sharp.
Narex (CZ) steel is wonderful, I have made other useful carving tools from their skews. LV sells those.

At the close of the day, as I watch the little shavings curl off those CZ skews,
I am quite satisfied.

Those tool were a real gamble to buy. Oh well. Probably as good a bang for my buck as Pfeil.

So what we've got is most recomendations for Phiel and everyone is satisfied with it and the fact that it holds an edge longer, as for sharpening I guess the process is different to that of chisels and plane irons I'm suspecting. I guess you've gathered I'm new to carving but I'm still undecided which to go for. Carba tec stocks a very large range of carving tools and for the simple fact that they are readily available and just a drive away that may be a better option.

I'm not saying they're not good by any means. I'm saying be cautious.....until you talk to someone who has used both for a while you can't get a proper comparison or opinion.

And no I haven't bought my chisels from carbatec. I have collected them from many different places over many years and they were certainly a lot more expensive then, than they are now.

I would rather buy from a family of ancient carvers and forgers with over 100 years of tradition and experience. It would take a very strong personal referral to change that.

Please visit www.pfeiltools.com and read the product information and News sections.