Barry King is a good choice, but there are a lot of excellent makers. Chuck Smith, Leather Wrangler, Henley , Clay Miller, etc. they all make good knives and blades. Bob Beard pro series is top shelf also. In my opinion barrel size depends on what you are carving and personal preference. I like a 3/8” barrel for Sheridan and floral carving, you can turn tight curves better, for long straight lines a larger barrel and blade is easier to use I also prefer a 1/4” straight blade for the Sheridan carving, but it really all comes down to personal preference. If you can hold and use some different sizes that may help. A lot is also what you get use too. Hope that is of some help.