Factory Sharpened Fishtail Set

After just receiving these gouges I think they will be very suitable for the hobbist and small business or seller might need. These were factory sharpened and at this time I can’t tell how long the edges will last. I can say the tool roll is very uniqu as the roll is a very good grade of canvas,also has an internal protective felt over the tools. I also can say customer support is A+. I have used SwissMade(Phelps) tools si I do have a long term comparison. This set tool handles has several rough spots or loose splinter(very small) which easily sanded down. The set doesn’t easily identify what tool shapes and sweeps are included except Fishtails of which there are 2. Good set but the average carver may want to supplement with a smaller V tool.

The price was very competitive and the tools are well made but leather stropping with compound makes them extremely sharp and a joy to use. Although they were sharp on delivery, the carving I do, hand carved letters, requires the chisels to be so sharp so that they result in paper thin shavings just by pushing the chisel through the wood. When you buy these you must buy something to sharpen them or you will be disappointed

As delivered the tools were "almost sharp enough to carve with." There were still striations on the bevelsconsistent with the finest stone used at the factory was around 350 to 400 grit. A minute or two on a 1000 grit diamond stone followed by another couple of minutes on a very fine ceramic stone, and finishing up by stropping on cardboard loaded up with white rouge brought each of them to a mirror finish. Given that the steel is pretty hard, this wasn't much work at all. These tools hold their edges pretty well, requiring only quick stropping every 5-10 minutes. These tools are what I'd consider a medium size. They're not so big that they can't be used with a single hand, but not so small that it's awkward to use two. Given that these are intended for final cleanup and details, these are a good compromise. For a lot of work, particularly roughing out, I prefer longer tools that can be steadied against my body and can be pushed through the wood using my legs and torso.

yes my edges were rough but i easily cleaned them up .made my first flower .they are fine ,cost was well worth it .

While they are patterned after the infamous Swiss made gouges. These fish tails are exceptional for detail cutting and close in work. These are a specialized set, bit don’t let it fool you. Very effective. We’ll be purchasing the remaining sets for a full wood carvers “arsenal”. I would recommend them to intermediate carvers though. They came factory sharp. A final honing and quite a bit of strop work got them to my preference, but if you can’t sharpen these tools, why use them? Schaaf even warns you that you need to know how to do this, so be ready. Other than that... The company is phenomenal and these are exceptional tools. We’re very happy and I tend to stay with them.

I bought Schaaf Wood Carving Tools Set of 4 | Chisel Set with Canvas Case | Fishtail Gouges to Reach into Spaces Other Chisels Can’t | Razor Sharp CR-V 60 Steel Blades | Wood Carving Kit as a price effective way to build my carving tool stock. Pros: • Comfortable to hold for extended periods. • Sizes marked on handles Cons: • Not carving sharp out of the box. • Don't hold an edge very well. Needs to be honed more frequently than other brands. • Schaaf 'brand' etched on shafts. Better quality tools etch sizes on shaft in case handles break or wear out. Not for beginners who don't know how to sharpen steel, and not for more experienced carvers because they don't hold an edge very well. Basically overpriced because of unearned hype.

I was excited to see fishtail chisels at such a reasonable price. Like a few other reviewers, I did have some issues with the edges - in my case, the actual cutting edges. I reached out to Schaaf Tools, and heard from them the next day! One could not ask for better customer service. I received beautiful replacements - each one perfect - and am very pleased. It is very refreshing to deal with a company that stands so solidly behind their product!

After wasting money on cheap gouges that couldn't scratch jello, I decided to buy these and I'm so glad I did. They arrived extremely sharp, and the high quality from top to bottom is clear. I will definitely be buying more Schaaf tools.

WOW, These tools are amazing ! Very sharp just had to strop them . The quality is excellent and the price is outstanding for the great tools you get ? Very pleased

I found your site by searching for FISHTAIL CARVING CHISELS which are not available from UK manufacturers. I make heavy bench seats from 100 mm. slabs of green English Oak for public woodlands and these tools are perfect for my needs and modestly priced compared to UK manufacturers. - Bill Ross, Scotland.

I was surprised with quality - I like it and price very low. I am just amateur carver and working for me great

For the money I paid really good value, takes and keeps a sharp edge. Would I buy this brand again, yes.

Not terrible but be prepared to spend some time with your stones to get them shaped properly. The interior convex grind is quite rough, and the exterior concave grind is not aligned with the interior grind so the shape is out of wack. Not fixable by stropping alone.