Teaching my son to wood carve was a great idea, but allowing him to use my tools was not so great a move on my part. After he was interested in it though, I figured I would set out to find him his own set of tools that would allow him to easily manipulate the wood, while also being the perfect beginner’s set, since mine was fairly expensive and more for advanced users.
If you’re ever in the same position, or one similar, I figured I would put together a list of some of the best wood carving tools for beginners, so you can find which set works with your child, or even for you.
Wood carving can be fun, and it allows you to create high quality items from just a block of wood, whatever you have laying around.
It’s brought me joy, and allowed me to have something to bond with my son over, which is the perfect hobby that we can do together and still have open lines of communication with one another.
Quick Comparisons of the 7 Best Wood Carving Tools
| IMAGE | BRAND | FEATURES | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mikisyo Power Grip Carving Tools, 7 Piece Set |
| View Product | |
 | BeaverCraft, Wood Carving Chisel Set |
| View Product | |
 | Warren Deluxe Wood Carving Knives & Tool Set |
| View Product | |
 | X-Acto Deluxe Wood Carving Set |
| View Product | |
 | Flexcut Beginners Palm Set |
| View Product | |
 | Ramelson Beginner’s Carving Tools |
| View Product | |
 | Two Cherries 11-Piece Carving Tools Set |
| View Product |
What to Look for in Wood Carving Tools for Beginners
- Comes with multiple tools: Obtaining a whole set of wood carving tools opens up the door to creating many different things, no matter what size chisel head is needed for the project.
- Carbon steel construction: Carbon steel, as well as other high quality metals can allow the user to have a harder material to work with on the wood, and allows them to choose harder woods, instead of sticking with the softer ones.
- Quality inspected: The pieces of the set should be quality inspected and checked to ensure that they’re ideal for all types of wood working projects. Quality inspections also ensure that the handle and chisel have a complete, strong hold that will not break down with work.
- Sharp chisel heads: Pre-sharpened chisel heads are ideal, but if the set comes with a sharpener than this is even better, since they can be sharpened as you work.
- Affordable price: Price is always a good consideration to make since you’re purchasing them for a beginner in the craft, and you want to get them interested but if they do not stick with it, then you do not want to be out a lot of money either. I was thinking in these terms for children that are learning, and might not carry on the hobby, but all prices can be welcomed depending on your specific case.
Mikisyo Power Grip Carving Tools, 7 Piece Set
This set of carving tools is produced in Japan, where wood carving has been an art form for centuries. It comes with seven tools in a variety of tips and sizes. The carving ends are forged from a special full surface double-layer steel. The curved wooden handles were designed that way for comfort in your hand as well as leverage to give you a better grip.
BeaverCraft, Wood Carving Chisel Set
Here we have a set that offers everything a carver would need, which makes it perfect for beginners. It comes with an assortment of chisels including a V-profile and straight rounded. Also included are a polishing compound, a bag that allows you to roll the tools up in one safe place, and a leather strap.
Warren Deluxe Wood Carving Knives & Tool Set
Created with carbon steel, the Warren Deluxe Wood Carving Set comes with a comfortable and easy to grip wooden handle seven attachable heads in a variety of sizes. These knives are sharp and brand new in the box, so working with them should add a touch of professionalism when you create your projects. All the tools are in a compact easy to store box.
X-Acto Deluxe Wood Carving Set
Featuring multiple pieces that vary in size for any wood carving project you have your eyes on; this set is the ultimate toolset when it comes to wood carving. It has five different blades and five different gouges to meet your needs and wants but it also comes with four routers of different sizes to ensure a professional job done each time. The handy carrying/storage case is also ideal as each individual piece of this kit can be snugly and securely put away in its specialized compartment.
Who Should Buy This?
The ideal customer for this wood carving set is someone who is advanced in their hobby and looking to branch out into more intensive pieces. The woodcarver that also wants to start experimenting with 3D projects will also benefit from having this set in their tool arsenal. Also consider reading up on the best 3d wood carving machines.
Pros:
- Different blades, gouges, and routers for every project
- The storage case has specialized compartments for a secure fit
- Fairly priced
Cons:
- Some customers state that the blades dull easy after minimal usage
- No instructions
Flexcut Beginners Palm Set
Palm-grips allow the carver more control over the detail and finesse they want to add to their wood carving project. It is also for the carver to control the level of the gouges in the wood and how deep they want their details to be in their project. That is why this beginner’s palm set is ideal for anyone who is a beginner at wood carving or even someone who has been carving for years; they are the ones in control of their carving, up close and personal with the wood. Complete with five different tools, this set has a chisel for everybody!
Who Should Buy This?
The ideal customer for this set is the beginner woodcarver as it features the five main tools of the trade. They are able to test, try, and experiment with each one to ensure that their project is a true extension of their creative spirit.
Pros:
- Featuring five of the most popular blades
- Comes with a sharpening tool to ensure your blades are never dull
- Comes with a portable wooden storage box
Cons:
- Not recommended for big projects with hardwood
Ramelson Beginner’s Carving Tools
These tools are highly recommended for the beginner in wood working, and provide the comfort handles that can be used by hand or even with a mallet, depending on the project. The Ramelson Beginner’s Carving Tools also come with six different sizes, so you can choose which one works best with the project you’re working on.
Though, a carrying case is not included, each one is neatly packaged when shipped and then can be added to the other tools that you currently own. The hardwood handles are ideal for holding onto, but will not split or splinter when used with a mallet. The chisels themselves, are made from a high quality carbon steel metal.
Made in the USA, and quality checked to ensure that the beginner wood carver is able to carry out any number of projects with a high quality product. The last best thing, is that they are extremely affordable, allowing you to try out wood working without having to lose out on a lot of money.
Customer Reviews
- Tools remain sharp even after many projects
- Good construction and solid durability
- Set is perfect for getting to know beginner and advanced carving technique
- Recommend to anyone just starting out
Two Cherries 11-Piece Carving Tools Set
The biggest and best thing about the Two Cherries 11-Piece Carving Tools Set is that the set comes neatly packed inside a wooden box for storage. With 6 different chisels, four carving knives and even a sharpening stone, everything that is needed can be found tucked neatly away inside the box with a clasp closure.
The entire set was hand forged from high quality carbon steel, by hand in Germany, making it an ideal gift set for the wood carver that you own, even the beginner. The octagon handles are a bit different from the other sets, but make them easier to grip, as well as keeping them in place when set on a bench or work station.
They are heat treated, so that the tools are able to stay sharp for longer than other tools on the market. Light, balanced and strong and affordable when looking for a high quality beginner’s set for any wood worker that you know.
Customer Reviews
- Beautiful tool set, sharp and good materials
- Great performance, even for advanced carvers
- Excellent carrying case that you’ll want to show off
- Worth the money
**Also see our post on wood joints.**
