Buy this Gouge Set - Woodcarving Gouge Review For Beginners

Reviewing 3 popular carving gouge sets for new carvers and putting them to the test! Checkout the Woodcarving Illustrated Link below! And see links below to buy the Flexcut and Schaaf woodcarving sets.

Check out my online carving school by clicking the link below:

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Flexcut 6-piece set

Schaaf 12-piece set,
Use Code: ALEC15 to get 15% off:

3M Face shield

Makita Chainsaw 5012b

Ryobi Rotary Tool 1.2amp:

Manpa cutter head:

Makita angle grinder:

Purchase the Flexcut knife here:

Carving Glove:

2” x 2” x 5” Basswood Blocks:

Leather Strop for sharpening:

Honing Compound for Strop:

Spray Finish For Carving:

Artist Paint Brushes I use:

Artist Paint for Carvings:

Super Glue Accelerant:

Gorilla Glue Super Glue:

Purchase the Flexcut Multi Jack here:

Crocs:

Check out my one day online workshops here:

What I use to sharpen my tools:

[patrickugorcak]

Thanks Alec for the great review. I have both the Flexcut and Schaff chisel sets and I agree on your assessment. The Flexcut set was “ready to use” right out of the box. I found that if you’re willing to spend several hours reprofiling and sharpening the Schaff set you’ll find that they are darn nice tools at a great price point and you get a larger selection. The handles weren’t as good on the Schaff set but they’ll exchange the defective ones without any issue and they stand by their tools. It’s nice to have a good range of tool options available.

[DigitalVideoFromOz]

I like you A LOT, and I watch most of what you create, and learn lots from you. Thank you. Maybe I can return a small amount of that back to you with this comment which is meant as kind and helpful. You say early on you weren't paid by the toolmakers to do this video, but then later you quickly throw in that you got the tools free from Schaff. At least that's what I think I hear. If that's true, then you did get paid to a certain extent. Remember, most of us out here in "viewer land" don't receive free carving tools in the mail from major companies. They are not sending you these tools simply cause they are nice folks, they are sending them to you in hopes of receiving something "good" in return (define that as you care to). Here's my advice as a life-long Journalist: Next time say at the beginning: "These companies didn't pay me for this review, but THEY DID SEND ME FREE TOOLS." Keep up the great carving and teaching my friend, you are among the best in your genre on YouTube.

[liquidrockaquatics]

The harbor freight Icon knife is a fantastic pocketknife for carrying all the time anyway, but it is fantastic for whittling and easily sharpened on a diamond plate. The D2 tool steel holds a fantastic edge and the blade geometry makes it easy for a novice sharpener. It is ergonomic and has a finger notch in the blade for choking up tightly; I have been using it on walnut to practice.

[stantilton]

This was helpful Alec. I've contemplated buying a set. Though I am a blacksmith and should make them. It's good to have an experienced opinion to base the purchase if I do. Thanks for doing the video for us.

[EliPearlman-iinl]

Hey Alec, we try to grind our tools at an angle that will cater to both mallet and hand use (which is why it's a bit steeper out of the box or when sharpened by Dick Belcher)

[FRANKMANGIAPANE]

I have used most major brands at one time or another in my woodcarving career, now in my everyday work I use mostly Stubai tools, they are easy to sharpen and hold the edge very well.I do have a few Henry Taylor tools, which are good and I use Flexcut blades/tools in my Automach.

[chesterthompson]

I've used a Flexcut 2" (I think that's the sizel mallet gouge for years carving bowls and for the size and price it is awesome.

[phillipjackson]

I got the pre-sharpened schaaf set and I like them but actually wish I would have saved the extra money because I still had to sharpen them when I got them, Maybe I got the manufacturer sharpened ones by mistake but all in all I’m still very happy with them

I also have the flexcut set and it is very well crafted everything you would expect from them

[wattsnex]

Thanks for the review Alec, I always enjoy these. I own a mixed bag myself with a lot of older tools like SJ Addis. But I was given a set that was bought on Amazon called Deadwood Tools. They look just like Schaaf. I have some Schaaf and its very hard to tell them apart without looking at the markings. Same weight, thickness etc. they needed some work to get sharp but they are actually pretty good steel. About half the price of Schaaf. Would love for you to give your thoughts.

[bushna]

Interesting comparison. Would like to see their performance on harder wood.

[timothymallon]

Hi Alec, Thanks for the review of these 3. They have all been on my Amazon wish list for a while. I still haven't decided which I prefer more. Although the Schaaf or Stubai seem to be neck and neck in the lead. I do have to wonder, how do they all hold up with using a mallet?

[BlazejRzezbi]

Thank you for this comparison :) I think you are not comparing apple to apple, because Stubai produce high end tools, Flexcut is a medium range, but Schaaf is a low end tool supplier. It would be nice to compare Narex Standard (Eco line) with Schaaf and Bevercraft.
Currently I am mostly using Narex and Pfeil (Swiss Made) and I am quite satisfied. Both suppliers have sent ready to use tools. Some time ago I had similar problem with Hanry Taylor (sold by Dictum shop - with their logo) like you with the Schaaf but after sharpening cutting edge behavior was very good.

[johnjude]

Put a number on the thickness such as 5mm or 1/16"
Please
Like you saying that you feel about the hardest steel as to me I want to sharpen and feel the joy of working with a great tool. I'm sure I've never had the most expensive but I've been lucky to had a few old chisels that puts joy into your hands when working with. I've actually built perhaps the best I've ever owned.
Thanks for a good review.

[donriley]

I have that schaaf set. Awesome customer service. I had 2 that were replaced due to the edge being off. No question. But, i think the #12 6mm is at a really steep angle. Am i wrong? I also just signed up for your onl8ne classes.

[midnight]

Thanks, help some on my next investment. Take care

[AmyJo]

I haven't tried this method. I would like to at some point.

[DWhittles]

Have you ever tried the Lee Valley 7 pcs set? The $65 not the $279

[chesterthompson]

The Amazon link for the shaft tools contradicts it self from what you said. It says at least twice ultra sharp, by saying that I would expect it to be sharp out of the box.

[daryldawe]

Are the flexcut tools considered to me tools that need a mallet?

[danielmilliken]

Hey folks I need help ahh! Lol how do u know if shaff comes sharpened by them or not ? Do they specify? Also everyone’s saying better to get set that’s not correct ?