I like you A LOT, and I watch most of what you create, and learn lots from you. Thank you. Maybe I can return a small amount of that back to you with this comment which is meant as kind and helpful. You say early on you weren't paid by the toolmakers to do this video, but then later you quickly throw in that you got the tools free from Schaff. At least that's what I think I hear. If that's true, then you did get paid to a certain extent. Remember, most of us out here in "viewer land" don't receive free carving tools in the mail from major companies. They are not sending you these tools simply cause they are nice folks, they are sending them to you in hopes of receiving something "good" in return (define that as you care to). Here's my advice as a life-long Journalist: Next time say at the beginning: "These companies didn't pay me for this review, but THEY DID SEND ME FREE TOOLS." Keep up the great carving and teaching my friend, you are among the best in your genre on TH-cam.
@@AlecLaCasseArtAlex u are one of the best hearted woodcarvers I myself have seen. Keep doing what ur doing because the fact that you helped us with things I’m sure some of us didint know for a long while now is gracious.
Thanks Alec for the great review. I have both the Flexcut and Schaff chisel sets and I agree on your assessment. The Flexcut set was “ready to use” right out of the box. I found that if you’re willing to spend several hours reprofiling and sharpening the Schaff set you’ll find that they are darn nice tools at a great price point and you get a larger selection. The handles weren’t as good on the Schaff set but they’ll exchange the defective ones without any issue and they stand by their tools. It’s nice to have a good range of tool options available.
This was helpful Alec. I've contemplated buying a set. Though I am a blacksmith and should make them. It's good to have an experienced opinion to base the purchase if I do. Thanks for doing the video for us.
I have used most major brands at one time or another in my woodcarving career, now in my everyday work I use mostly Stubai tools, they are easy to sharpen and hold the edge very well.I do have a few Henry Taylor tools , which are good and I use Flexcut blades/tools in my Automach.
The harbor freight Icon knife is a fantastic pocketknife for carrying all the time anyway, but it is fantastic for whittling and easily sharpened on a diamond plate. The D2 tool steel holds a fantastic edge and the blade geometry makes it easy for a novice sharpener. It is ergonomic and has a finger notch in the blade for choking up tightly; I have been using it on walnut to practice.
Hey Alec, we try to grind our tools at an angle that will cater to both mallet and hand use (which is why it's a bit steeper out of the box or when sharpened by Dick Belcher)
I got the pre-sharpened schaaf set and I like them but actually wish I would have saved the extra money because I still had to sharpen them when I got them, Maybe I got the manufacturer sharpened ones by mistake but all in all I’m still very happy with them I also have the flexcut set and it is very well crafted everything you would expect from them
Thanks for the review Alec, I always enjoy these. I own a mixed bag myself with a lot of older tools like SJ Addis. But I was given a set that was bought on Amazon called Deadwood Tools. They look just like Schaaf. I have some Schaaf and its very hard to tell them apart without looking at the markings. Same weight, thickness etc. they needed some work to get sharp but they are actually pretty good steel. About half the price of Schaaf. Would love for you to give your thoughts.
Put a number on the thickness such as 5mm or 1/16" Please Like you saying that you feel about the hardest steel as to me I want to sharpen and feel the joy of working with a great tool. I'm sure I've never had the most expensive but I've been lucky to had a few old chisels that puts joy into your hands when working with. I've actually built perhaps the best I've ever owned. Thanks for a good review.
Hi Alec, Thanks for the review of these 3. They have all been on my Amazon wish list for a while. I still haven't decided which I prefer more. Although the Schaaf or Stubai seem to be neck and neck in the lead. I do have to wonder, how do they all hold up with using a mallet?
Thank you for this comparison :) I think you are not comparing apple to apple, because Stubai produce high end tools, Flexcut is a medium range, but Schaaf is a low end tool supplier. It would be nice to compare Narex Standard (Eco line) with Schaaf and Bevercraft. Currently I am mostly using Narex and Pfeil (Swiss Made) and I am quite satisfied. Both suppliers have sent ready to use tools. Some time ago I had similar problem with Hanry Taylor (sold by Dictum shop - with their logo) like you with the Schaaf but after sharpening cutting edge behavior was very good.
Flexshaft has two different types of full size tools. One for the traditional mallet and was very stiff. There is original version of Flexcut that flexes and used with one hand..
I have that schaaf set. Awesome customer service. I had 2 that were replaced due to the edge being off. No question. But, i think the #12 6mm is at a really steep angle. Am i wrong? I also just signed up for your onl8ne classes.
@@AlecLaCasseArt Yea but it makes me leery of buying schaaf because they don't sell individual pieces. Retired now but never bought tools that didn't have open stock (heavy equipment mechanic). There was always a chance of losing or maybe adding on to set.
The Amazon link for the shaft tools contradicts it self from what you said. It says at least twice ultra sharp, by saying that I would expect it to be sharp out of the box.
Hey folks I need help ahh! Lol how do u know if shaff comes sharpened by them or not ? Do they specify? Also everyone’s saying better to get set that’s not correct ?
I say no links for the specific three sets you used for this video. I think you forgot to post them . I see plenty of other links. Am I missing something? Thank you
My Schaff set looked polished, but had machine grooves on the underside of the tips. The angles were to aggressive. No small v tool. No big flat gouge. Tools equal to 11.00 a tool. 120.00 set. Not the best for a beginner if you need a bench grinder to tune up.
The Hardness of a tool does not determine its durability and ablility to hold an edge.. there is a difference between hardening and tempering the tool as these are two different sequential processes.
@@ozoneswiftak It is a two step process in knife and tool making. After the tool is forged, it undergoes a two step process. First it is hardened by heating to at least 1500 degrees F then plunged immediately after in oil or water. Hardening allows you to make the edge with a narrow bevel. After the tool cools to room temperature, the tool needs to be tempered to get it to hold its edge. This is done by heating it up again at a lower temperature at 400 degrees F. Hardening is different from tempering. Just visit any knife making channel on TH-cam and you can understand what i am talking about.
But I’ve got zero followers on my TH-cam account, and have no inspirations of being an influencer! You don’t know what you’re missing out on! This collaboration could literally get you 100 less followers! 😂🤣😂🤣 🫶🏻🫶🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You might like to know that most European tools in the past were not sharpened.. When the owner of Ashley ILes ( ILes is pronounced Eye-Less) first went to America to market his tools, He was shocked that Americans would not buy a tool that was not sharpened.. This made no sense to him since most woodcarvers prefer to grind their own bevels particular to their work. He was not stupid and went ahead and sold them sharpened and his sales boomed. The rest is history. Also the flex cuts work fine on harder woods. If you look at the work of Mark Yundt a commercial carver, he does not even change his bevels going between basswood and oak or walnut. Also Do you know whey Flexcut was used for the name of the said company?
The Flexcut knife was designed with a thin flexible shaft to allow a “springing” effect when using the tool. It was most evident when one pushed the tool with one hand. Made it easier to pop off a chip.
I like you A LOT, and I watch most of what you create, and learn lots from you. Thank you. Maybe I can return a small amount of that back to you with this comment which is meant as kind and helpful. You say early on you weren't paid by the toolmakers to do this video, but then later you quickly throw in that you got the tools free from Schaff. At least that's what I think I hear. If that's true, then you did get paid to a certain extent. Remember, most of us out here in "viewer land" don't receive free carving tools in the mail from major companies. They are not sending you these tools simply cause they are nice folks, they are sending them to you in hopes of receiving something "good" in return (define that as you care to). Here's my advice as a life-long Journalist: Next time say at the beginning: "These companies didn't pay me for this review, but THEY DID SEND ME FREE TOOLS." Keep up the great carving and teaching my friend, you are among the best in your genre on TH-cam.
Thanks for your input!
You are welcome
@@AlecLaCasseArtAlex u are one of the best hearted woodcarvers I myself have seen. Keep doing what ur doing because the fact that you helped us with things I’m sure some of us didint know for a long while now is gracious.
Thanks so much`!@@danielmilliken8903
Thanks Alec for the great review. I have both the Flexcut and Schaff chisel sets and I agree on your assessment. The Flexcut set was “ready to use” right out of the box. I found that if you’re willing to spend several hours reprofiling and sharpening the Schaff set you’ll find that they are darn nice tools at a great price point and you get a larger selection. The handles weren’t as good on the Schaff set but they’ll exchange the defective ones without any issue and they stand by their tools. It’s nice to have a good range of tool options available.
Thanks for input!
Do u call flex cut number ? Or send them info? Thanx Patrick
I really like the Schaaf fishtail set. A reasonably priced set to supplement my other carving tools.
I haven't tried those yet! Thanks
@@ericburleigh1545
This was helpful Alec. I've contemplated buying a set. Though I am a blacksmith and should make them. It's good to have an experienced opinion to base the purchase if I do. Thanks for doing the video for us.
Glad it was helpful! Of course!
I've used a Flexcut 2" (I think that's the sizel mallet gouge for years carving bowls and for the size and price it is awesome.
Ah, good to hear!
I have used most major brands at one time or another in my woodcarving career, now in my everyday work I use mostly Stubai tools, they are easy to sharpen and hold the edge very well.I do have a few Henry Taylor tools , which are good and I use Flexcut blades/tools in my Automach.
Thanks for your thoughts!
The harbor freight Icon knife is a fantastic pocketknife for carrying all the time anyway, but it is fantastic for whittling and easily sharpened on a diamond plate. The D2 tool steel holds a fantastic edge and the blade geometry makes it easy for a novice sharpener. It is ergonomic and has a finger notch in the blade for choking up tightly; I have been using it on walnut to practice.
Are you talking about the new ceramic bearing knife? I might have to pick one ip
@@AlecLaCasseArt yes
Hey Alec, we try to grind our tools at an angle that will cater to both mallet and hand use (which is why it's a bit steeper out of the box or when sharpened by Dick Belcher)
I got the pre-sharpened schaaf set and I like them but actually wish I would have saved the extra money because I still had to sharpen them when I got them, Maybe I got the manufacturer sharpened ones by mistake but all in all I’m still very happy with them
I also have the flexcut set and it is very well crafted everything you would expect from them
Thanks for sharing!
Interesting comparison. Would like to see their performance on harder wood.
Good idea for another video! Thanks
My Flexcut mallet gouge loves all wood.
Thanks for the review Alec, I always enjoy these. I own a mixed bag myself with a lot of older tools like SJ Addis. But I was given a set that was bought on Amazon called Deadwood Tools. They look just like Schaaf. I have some Schaaf and its very hard to tell them apart without looking at the markings. Same weight, thickness etc. they needed some work to get sharp but they are actually pretty good steel. About half the price of Schaaf. Would love for you to give your thoughts.
I will look into those tools. Thank you!
Very nice video !!! Nice info!!!👌👍
Put a number on the thickness such as 5mm or 1/16"
Please
Like you saying that you feel about the hardest steel as to me I want to sharpen and feel the joy of working with a great tool. I'm sure I've never had the most expensive but I've been lucky to had a few old chisels that puts joy into your hands when working with. I've actually built perhaps the best I've ever owned.
Thanks for a good review.
Thanks for your input!
Ty for this
Of course
Hi Alec, Thanks for the review of these 3. They have all been on my Amazon wish list for a while. I still haven't decided which I prefer more. Although the Schaaf or Stubai seem to be neck and neck in the lead. I do have to wonder, how do they all hold up with using a mallet?
The Stubai hold up well to mallet use! I haven’t used the Schaaf for very long!
Thank you for this comparison :) I think you are not comparing apple to apple, because Stubai produce high end tools, Flexcut is a medium range, but Schaaf is a low end tool supplier. It would be nice to compare Narex Standard (Eco line) with Schaaf and Bevercraft.
Currently I am mostly using Narex and Pfeil (Swiss Made) and I am quite satisfied. Both suppliers have sent ready to use tools. Some time ago I had similar problem with Hanry Taylor (sold by Dictum shop - with their logo) like you with the Schaaf but after sharpening cutting edge behavior was very good.
Fantastic video idea! Thanks
Thanks, help some on my next investment. Take care
My pleasure
I haven't tried this method. I would like to at some point.
It's a blast!
Have you ever tried the Lee Valley 7 pcs set? The $65 not the $279
No! They look pretty decent though!
The best Stubai or Schaff?
Are the flexcut tools considered to me tools that need a mallet?
Flexshaft has two different types of full size tools. One for the traditional mallet and was very stiff. There is original version of Flexcut that flexes and used with one hand..
I have that schaaf set. Awesome customer service. I had 2 that were replaced due to the edge being off. No question. But, i think the #12 6mm is at a really steep angle. Am i wrong? I also just signed up for your onl8ne classes.
The #12 is fairly steep, but I would recommend getting an additional V-tool to supplement the soft v in the set!
@@AlecLaCasseArt Yea but it makes me leery of buying schaaf because they don't sell individual pieces. Retired now but never bought tools that didn't have open stock (heavy equipment mechanic). There was always a chance of losing or maybe adding on to set.
I agree with that@@jimcarter4929 ! They need to start selling individual tools!
@@AlecLaCasseArt I love the Flexcut 60 degree V-tool. I will reach for it, before even the Swiss Made.
The Amazon link for the shaft tools contradicts it self from what you said. It says at least twice ultra sharp, by saying that I would expect it to be sharp out of the box.
I didn't notice that! Thanks!
I once heard that all Flex Cut tools are ground to a 19 degree angle.
Hey folks I need help ahh! Lol how do u know if shaff comes sharpened by them or not ? Do they specify? Also everyone’s saying better to get set that’s not correct ?
They do specify on the website!
I’m hearing that, but I’d love to get more opinions here
I say no links for the specific three sets you used for this video. I think you forgot to post them . I see plenty of other links. Am I missing something? Thank you
Hey Jay, they are in the description!
My Schaff set looked polished, but had machine grooves on the underside of the tips. The angles were to aggressive. No small v tool. No big flat gouge. Tools equal to 11.00 a tool. 120.00 set. Not the best for a beginner if you need a bench grinder to tune up.
The Hardness of a tool does not determine its durability and ablility to hold an edge.. there is a difference between hardening and tempering the tool as these are two different sequential processes.
This is a good distinction! Thank you!
I thought when you temper metal it gets harder. Therefore more able to hold an edge longer than softer tools.
@@ozoneswiftak It is a two step process in knife and tool making. After the tool is forged, it undergoes a two step process. First it is hardened by heating to at least 1500 degrees F then plunged immediately after in oil or water. Hardening allows you to make the edge with a narrow bevel. After the tool cools to room temperature, the tool needs to be tempered to get it to hold its edge. This is done by heating it up again at a lower temperature at 400 degrees F. Hardening is different from tempering. Just visit any knife making channel on TH-cam and you can understand what i am talking about.
That’s cool matey! I’ll give you my address and you can post them over to me. I’ll do a student review for ya. No charge or owt! 😉😂🤣👍🏻
Hmm, let me think… NO! 😂
My pleasure brother!
But I’ve got zero followers on my TH-cam account, and have no inspirations of being an influencer! You don’t know what you’re missing out on! This collaboration could literally get you 100 less followers! 😂🤣😂🤣
🫶🏻🫶🏻👍🏻👍🏻
hey
Hey!
You might like to know that most European tools in the past were not sharpened.. When the owner of Ashley ILes ( ILes is pronounced Eye-Less) first went to America to market his tools, He was shocked that Americans would not buy a tool that was not sharpened.. This made no sense to him since most woodcarvers prefer to grind their own bevels particular to their work. He was not stupid and went ahead and sold them sharpened and his sales boomed. The rest is history. Also the flex cuts work fine on harder woods. If you look at the work of Mark Yundt a commercial carver, he does not even change his bevels going between basswood and oak or walnut. Also Do you know whey Flexcut was used for the name of the said company?
Very interesting! Thanks! I use the same low grind angle for all of my carving from basswood to red oak!
The Flexcut knife was designed with a thin flexible shaft to allow a “springing” effect when using the tool. It was most evident when one pushed the tool with one hand. Made it easier to pop off a chip.
@@buckbeans1 Makes sense, since Flexcut is made from "spring" steel.
What happen to the coffee and carving show….
We stopped recording them!