Carving Tools

Some soft-block carvers regularly use X-Acto knives, but I don't. I really like Speedball's linoleum carving tools, blades 1 and 5 almost exclusively. I have several handles and keep several fresh, sharpened blades available while I am carving so I don't get distracted by constantly having to change blades. It is essential to keep your blades sharp, a topic I cover in Care of Your Tools.

Below is a photo of the Speedball lino tool. Economy handles are available in wood, but I much prefer the red plastic handles because the blades are more securely held.

Below are the available blades for the lino tool. I use blades 1 and 5 almost exclusively.

Other companies make lino cutting tools, but Speedball is readily available at most craft and art supply stores.