Thread: Got my new tools today

Watch out, Flex Cut are really smoothly sharp!!!! Ouch!

Originally Posted by dunno103

Hi all

just arrived home (after a lil detour) from purchasing my flexcut starter carving set.

Really looking forward to using it but I think I should get some needed sleep first.

Bye for now

Steve

Hi Dunno,
Just did a search on the web for Flexcut. There nice looking knives. I like the handles, they look like there quite comfortable. Are they as comfortable in all positions? It would be good if could give us an update after you have used them for awhile.
What sort of projects are you planning to use the knives on? Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Joe.

Hi all

yeah thanks Pat, they are really sharp (one of the reasons I bought them). I do own (AND USE) a glove (kevlar). (Not a shout, emphasis)


Joe, I plan on doing 3D objects such as animals, people and mythological creatures. I think it is referred to as in the round.

I will give a review when I have used them (not at home this weekend so still haven't used them. I believe that you should be very alert when using sharp tools so I am waiting for that time)

Cheers

Steve

I have been using flexcut carving tools for about a year now. They are super sharp and I try to keep them that way.
I have never cut myself carving - I have been doing a large greenman - but I often cut my finger sliding them into or out of the pouch by accidentally touching the blade next door! You'd think I'd learn a bit quicker!

Cheers
Steck

Hey Dunno/Steck,
Do you have any pics of the work you have done? I'm just starting off and always like to look at other work for ideas. Cheers, Joe.

This is my Greenman, close to being finished, now. It was carved from a green piece of timber salvaged from a council clearing of some pest trees - Chinese Something ???
It has been entirely hand carved using a variety of roughing chisels and most of the finer work was done with Flexcut carving tools and one Pfiel.
It is also my first piece .
Happy carving,

Originally Posted by steck

This is my Greenman, close to being finished, now. It was carved from a green piece of timber salvaged from a council clearing of some pest trees - Chinese Something ???
It has been entirely hand carved using a variety of roughing chisels and most of the finer work was done with Flexcut carving tools and one Pfiel.
It is also my first piece .
Happy carving,

That is fantastic for a first piece. Fantastic for a tenth peice too. What did you think about working the wood in the green? From what little I have done It's been a real pleasure working wood while still green.
How many hours do you think you've put into that peice so far? Look forward to seeing more in the future Cheers, Joe.

Hi all

Nice work Steck, thanks for showing us.

Joe, I haven't done anything yet. I've been looking for a while at what sort of chisels to buy. I will probably get some Pfeil's later but thought the Flexcut was a good buy (it has a knife too) to start with.

Steve

Thanks for the compiments, guys.
I liked working in green wood - it presents some different challenges.
I did a short course with Karl Lutz which I found tremendous!
I wrapped the wood in Gladwrap to slow down the drying between carving sessions, and it went mouldy and started to stain the wood.
I carved out the stains and I chucked the glad wrap, and the wood cracked! But now it has stabilised and the cracks got smaller.
I am going to try the old method of filling the cracks with a pared slice of the original wood - (keep the offcuts).
How many hours has it cost me??? Hmmm. I would be frightened if I added them up. It was a learning as you go experience so that when I got a bit better at something I would recarve it a layer deeper.
I quite enjoyed the fiddling and carving aspect of the job. Being a novice, I guess I would have spent 40 - 60 hours chipping away.