Pfeil carving tools - size guide and review
This is a quick and easy guide to Pfeil tools for beginners. The video will start with a general overview of the tools before explaining how the sizing of the gouges works, for example, what 12/1 means. I'll note my favourite tools and my personal preferences for a first time collector of Pfeil tools. I'll finish by showing the effects the different tools have on lino.
Pfeil tools are made from a steel alloy and come pre-sharpened from a company in Switzerland. The handles are made from a comfortably shaped wood and finished with a coat of oil. They make a huge range of different tools, but I am focusing here on their lino and wood cutting palm tools, with the pear shaped handles.
The sizes and shapes of gouges can be confusing so here is a quick breakdown. Each tool is numbered to show size and shape, of the depth, curvature, and length of the cutting edge. The higher the first number, the deeper the curvature, creating deeper grooves and sharper lines in the lino. The smaller the second number the more precise and small the tool is.
So for example, a 12/1 means the tool has a deep depth, but is small in size, so perfect for carving small intricate details. An 8/7 is less deep, but still has a decent curve, and is much wider, so can carve big patches of lino quickly.
The sizes you choose will depend on what you want to make. I like to have a wide range of tools available to play with. I would recommend the Set C, which is six tools from Pfeil, to start with. I hope this has been helpful, the video below explains further and demonstrates the impact of the numbering on carving effects for printmakers.
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