Sheriden Tools

[King's X]

Don't forget to post pictures! Good luck mate!

[Chavez]

Hi!

I've got a set of cheap chinese tools for general carving at the moment, however, I need to expand my stamp collection to be able to do smaller work. I know that good tools are always better, but as I'm on a tight budget and I paying 3 times more for each stamp is a bit steep... Is there much difference between Barry King's bevellers and cheap bevellers (or, say, stops) or is it possible to save on some tools and go for cheaper alternatives at least for the fist couple of years?

I guess I'll just wait a bit and then buy proper tools but I'd like to hear your opinions.

Thanks!

[electrathon]

I've got a set of cheap chinese tools for general carving at the moment, however, I need to expand my stamp collection to be able to do smaller work. I know that good tools are always better, but as I'm on a tight budget and I paying 3 times more for each stamp is a bit steep... Is there much difference between Barry King's bevellers and cheap bevelers (or, say, stops) or is it possible to save on some tools and go for cheaper alternatives at least for the fist couple of years?

I have a lot of tools, many/most are Barry King. I started buying a few years ago and buy a few every time I get the chance. In my opinion, if you are on a tight budget and can only afford a few tools I would buy bevelers. The quality is vastly different on all tools, but I think the biggest difference is on bevelers. The are angled better and shaped better (the small subtle differences are what it is all about).

My other suggestion is to not get too carried away buying junk tools. Buy no more than you absolutely must buy. You are waisting your money on them. You can not save money by waisting it. 10 quality tools is far better than having 100 junk tools. If you want to learn how to tool, using tools that make your finished work look like poo is not the way to motivate/learn/pride yourself in leather tooling.

Aaron

[Chavez]

Thanks Aaron!

[iowabullfighter]

Does anyone know how much Barry's Sheridan tool set cost?

[Reaves Leather]

Another option which I have found helpful to get a wide array of tools is to look through the books find the names and check ebay. You can find antique tools and tool "lots" that you can really score on. I've gotten 4 - 5 different tools of the same type that I now use for different flowers or vines.

[watersnake]

Does anyone know how much Barry's Sheridan tool set cost?

I just paid $400 for a beginners kit of 17 tools and very happy ! He also shipped them to Australia for me .

Ron

[Bluesman]

Buy Barry King. Simple, cry once and be happy for the rest of your life. His tools are, will, make you explore new things, within yourself..........Maybe not, but they are very very good..

[Chavez]

Aaron,

Just wanted to say thanks for suggesting to buy BKs. They really are worth the price!

[electrathon]

Aaron,

Just wanted to say thanks for suggesting to buy BKs. They really are worth the price!

Thank you. It is really hard to convince people that such small shape changes make a night and day differance in the quality of the finished work.