Tools, Resources & suppliers
For students eager to begin their journey this is the place to find suppliers that have used over many years in the craft.
We recommend paying a little more than you intend to for any tool. Traditional reasoning holds that a high-quality tool tends to offer improved ease of use, heightened satisfaction, extended longevity, and a greater likelihood of maintaining its resale value.
A functional toolkit can be easily assembled by combining both new and refurbished tools. For the craft of spoon carving, indispensable tools comprise a small carving axe, a sloyd knife, and a top-notch hook knife, all procurable for under two hundred dollars.
Bargains can be found at boot sales and flea markets, where pre-owned tools may rival or surpass the quality of new ones. Antique tools like axes, chisels, gouges, and drawknives may only need minor restoration to extend their lifespan for many more years.
While the allure of acquiring complete sets of specialised tools may be strong, prioritising quality over quantity is paramount, as most tasks can be accomplished with just one or two essential tools rather than an array of specialised ones.
Small, family-operated toolmakers and forges frequently face challenges in meeting the demand for their products, underscoring the importance of patience.
In instances where communication with non-English-speaking suppliers is necessary, web browsers equipped with auto-translation features can be utilized, with English continuing to serve as the predominant global language.
Lie-Nielsen (AUS)
Specialising in the supply of high-quality hand woodworking tools in both Australia and New Zealand. Lie-Nielsen Tools are made in the USA, design and create beautiful, heirloom quality, hand tools that inspire woodworkers and other artisans, created to maintain skills that are in danger of becoming a lost art.
Lee Valley (CAN)
Lee Valley is a Canadian Family owned business dedicated to developing and developing in innovative tooling in industry for customers.
Wood Tools (UK)
A father and daughter team based in the UK, reviving the tradition of Sheffield toolmakers. They provide quality tools in a timely manner and at an affordable price. Specializing in a variety of hook knives and axes designed specifically for spoon carving.
Wood Tamer (AUS)
Wood Tamer has been a popular source of tools for students. This Sydney-based one-man shop offers all your green woodworking tools. If you want to buy a variety of quality brand-name tools from around the world and have them available within a reasonable timeframe, Wood Tamer comes highly recommended.
Kalthoff Axes (SE)
Kalthoff is the upstart in the world of axes founded by Julia Kalthoff. She is my recommended axe maker. My students and I have found her small carver axe ideal for extended use and still capable of powering through some serious wood.
Gränsfors Bruk (SE)
Gränsfors Bruk is a Swedish axe maker that has been manufacturing hand-forged axes for over 100 years. Its reputation has been sustained by the wide variety of quality axes, adzes, and froes it has provided to generations of woodworkers. The Gränsfors Large Carving Axe is one of their most popular tools among sculptors and carvers.
Ben and Lois Orford (UK)
Ben and Lois are tool makers and leather workers who live and work from their home in Herefordshire. They have a background in the traditional crafts of green wood working, pole-lathe turning, and woodland crafts. Their tools have become well-regarded.
Diärv (SE)
S. Djärv Hantverk AB is a family business that forges and handcrafts tools in small quantities. All their tools are designed in collaboration with skilled wood crafters and professional craftsmen. They produce more than 140 unique tool models and approximately 3000 tools annually. They are known for their high-quality artisanal tools.
Klensmide (SE)
Hans Karlsson, is the man behind Klensmide he is undoubtedly one of the best green woodwork toolmakers out there. His tools are in high demand, so expect to wait. But when you get your chance, do not hesitate to treat yourself.
Carbatec (AUS)
Carbatetc has retail stores in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Hobart. It is a great resource for a wide range of high-quality tools and products, including router bits, glue, clamps, Festool, and stationary power tools. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the vicinity.