Carving Tools

At Tool Bazaar, we believe a woodworker is only as good as their wood carving tools. Whether you're picking up a chisel for the first time or you're already a seasoned expert, the right woodworking tools make all the difference. We’re confident we can find the perfect hand tools to complement your craft and help you create with precision.

We have an impressive selection of premium woodworking tools on offer to match your requirements. If you don’t see what you need here, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We have hundreds of additional carving tools in stock and can certainly source whatever it is you need.

We also have a selection of slip stones in stock, used for sharpening difficult-shaped woodworking tools and keeping your carving tools in top condition.

What is a carving gouge?

A carving gouge is a curved chisel that can be used on both dry and green wood. A versatile little hand tool that can be used for commercial, functional, or artistic pursuits, making it an essential part of any woodworking setup. Many carvers rely on a selection of wood carving tools to create intricate and detailed work.

What type of carving gouge do I need?

There are a wide number of variables when it comes to carving tools—size, shape, and curvature all play a role. The woodworking tools you need will be entirely dependent on their intended use. If you’re focusing on artistic wood carving, there are a vast range of different methods out there, including chip carving, relief carving, and power carving.

For general wood carving, you’re likely going to be looking at out-canal straight gouges, where the sharpened bevel is at the bottom of the blade. However, again, it is entirely dependent on your work and the effect you want to create. With this in mind, we supply a whole range of speciality hand tools to best suit your needs and enhance your style. Whether you're working with soft wood or hard wood, having the right woodworking tools makes all the difference.

If you’re a beginner, it might seem economical to buy an entire set of assorted wood carving tools at once; however, this can be a waste. Some of your tools might be of no use to you, and cheaper sets never last long or reflect well on your practice. It’s always better to go for high-quality tools over quantity. You will likely benefit from buying one or two high-quality hand tools at a time from a reliable retailer like Tool Bazaar.

Expert help in choosing the right wood carving tools

We know that selecting the right carving tool can be overwhelming with so many wood carving tools to choose from, so we are always here to help. If you need advice or assistance, please get in touch, and we can help match you with the correct hand tool or woodworking tool for your needs.

S.J. Addis of London and J.B. Addis & Sons of Sheffield produced some of the best wood carving chisels ever made. Other companies producing wood carving tools included Mathieson, Herring Brothers of London, Sorby, C. Hill, Henry Taylor, and William Marples. These high-quality tools were designed to last while many modern carving tools just don’t compare.

Free UK delivery on antique wood carving tools

At Tool Bazaar, we have a fantastic range of hundreds of high-quality woodworking tools for you to choose from. We stock some of the world's best hand tools, made from durable materials that ensure precision and longevity.

Many of our products aren’t just functional but antique woodworking tools. They come with a story and are imbued with the experience of previous carvers who used them to create incredible woodworking pieces. But don’t let their old-fashioned appearance fool you—antique wood carving tools are often more robust and reliable than their modern counterparts. These are high-quality tools, made to last, with beautifully crafted handles and superior materials.

This page displays just a small selection of what we have on offer. If you don't see what you want, please contact us, and we feel confident we’ll be able to find what you are looking for.