Best linocut tools for carving lino
Updated: Oct 9
In this blog, I've compared a selection of lino-cutting tools available in the UK. I've chosen three beginner's linocut tool sets and one professional set.
Along with a brief description of each set's pros and cons, I've created a video showing the tools in action on different types of lino.
Beginner lino tools
Essdee lino cutter set
Abig lino cutter set
Japanese wood carving tools
Professional lino tools
Pfeil lino cutting tools
If you’d like to learn how to make a linocut print, see my linocut workshops and online courses page for links to each of my courses and workshops.
Linocut tools demo
In this video, I've demonstrated the four types of linocut tools: SoftCut or easy carve lino and traditional artist's lino.
Videoing myself carving isn't the easiest thing to do. My carving skills seem to go a bit haywire under the one-take pressure! I thought seeing the tools being used, rather than my opinion, would be useful.
Note. I was carving the traditional lino on a cold day. The tools will carve the lino more easily if it is slightly warmed.
Learn how to make linocut prints
Online courses and workshops
Essdee linocut tools and handle set
Beginners linocut tools
Set of 5 or 10 lino cutters.
The 5-piece set includes 5 blades and one polypropylene handle.
Pros
5-piece set contains 2 V-shaped cutting blades.
Replaceable blades.
Best variety of blades for carving SoftCut and EasyCarve lino.
Cons
Essdee says they shouldn't be sharpened once blunt.
ABig linocut tools and handle set
Beginner linocut tools
Set includes 5 blades and one wooden handle.
Pros
Replaceable blades.
Cons
Can’t be sharpened.
Only 1 V-blade.
Slightly burred edges when carving traditional artists' lino.
Japanese wood carving tools
Beginner linocut tools
Set includes 5 tools with pencil-shaped handles.
Suitable for woodcut and linocut.
Pros
Don’t need to keep changing blades.
Can be sharpened.
Best of the 3 entry-level tools tested for carving traditional artists' lino.
Cons
Only 1 V-blade.
I personally prefer tools which fit into the palm of my hand.
Pfeil linocut tools
Professional linocut tools
Single tools or sets of 6.
The LSC Pfeil tool set in the image is the one I use. L 8/7, L 8/3, L 9/2 are U-shaped. L 12/4, L 15/2, L 11/0.5 are V-shaped.
Pros
High quality.
Can be sharpened.
Comfort in the palm of your hand.
Wide variety of blades available.
Cons
Expensive if trying linocutting for the first time. About £22 each.
I tend to use V-shaped gauges L 12/4 and L 15/2 for most of my carved lines, because I like the organic variation a V-shaped tool creates. I use L 11/0.5 for fine details. I use U-shaped gauges L 8/3 and L 9/2 for clearing smaller details. I use L 8/7 for clearing large areas.
If you have a limited budget and want to buy a couple of Pfeil carving lino tools, I recommend buying:
A very small V tool for carving small details, such as L11/0.5.
A medium V tool for carving line work, such as L15/2.
A small or medium U tool for line work and/or clearing small areas, such as small L 8/3 or medium U, L 11/3.
To save money, you can usually use your largest U-shaped tool from a beginner's lino-cutting set to clear large background areas.
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How to Sharpen Linocut Tools
There are several ways to sharpen tools. The best way is to maintain the edge by stropping or honing your tools after each use.
If your lino-cutting tools have become blunt over time. Lawrence Art Supplies offers a sharpening and regrinding service. I’d love to know if you know anyone in Yorkshire who offers this service as well.
Note: Some beginner linocut tools cannot be sharpened. I recommend checking with the shop you are buying them from.
How to use Flexicut SlipStrop
The Flexicut SlipStrop is used to strop or hone your linocut tools. It helps maintain a sharp edge by polishing and deburring the edge. I bought mine from Handprinted.co.uk
This is a useful YouTube video demonstrating how to use the Flexicut SlipStrop. Watch halfway through to sharpen your V-shaped and U-shaped lino tools and gouges.
Regrinding and sharpening your linocut tools
I'm quite adept at DIY, but sharpening such fine tools is quite an art. If your linocut tools have become too blunt, I recommend sharpening them professionally.
Lawrence Art Supplies offers linocut tool sharpening and regrinding.
Resources
Specialist printmaking supplies. York and online.
Specialist printmaking supplies. Online.
London shop and online.
Intaglio Printmakers (Shop in London and online)
Specialist printmaking supplies. London shop and online.
Blossom Street Gallery (Shop in York)
Some beginner's tools. Shop in York.
Beginners' equipment for printmaking. Shops in Leeds, Manchester and online.
You may also find these blogs useful:
What tools and equipment do you need to make a linocut print?
https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/2018/07/02/lino-cutting-equipment
I hope that helps get you started. If you need any more hints and tips, get in touch.
Michelle
Would you like to learn how to make a linocut print?
Whether you’re completely new to linocut or ready to develop your skills, I offer online linocut courses and hands-on workshops in York to help you learn at your own pace.
Linocut Online Courses
Learn from home with step-by-step video lessons, guided projects and online support.
Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing: Learn the basics and make your first one-colour linocut print.
How to Make a Multi-Block Linocut Print: Build your skills and learn how to create colourful multi-block prints.
Linocut Workshops in York
Join me in my York garden studio for a relaxed, hands-on linocut workshop. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of four people, so there’s plenty of individual tuition and time to ask questions.
Level 1: Introduction to Linocut Printing
Level 2: “Jigsaw” Linocut Printing
Level 3: Multi-Block Linocut Printing
My book: Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut
Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut by Michelle Hughes is a practical, step-by-step guide to creating your own linocut prints. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced printmaker, the book covers everything from simple one-colour prints to jigsaw, reduction and multi-block techniques, with plenty of guidance to help you develop your own ideas and confidence.
Keep in touch
Sign up for my VIP list
for news on my latest releases, workshops and creative inspiration
I only send monthly (sometimes bi-monthly)
About Michelle
I’m Michelle Hughes, a North Yorkshire landscape artist and printmaker based in York. My original linocut prints are inspired by the Yorkshire Coast, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the wider British countryside.
I gather ideas and take photographs while walking and cycling, then bring them back to my garden studio in York. I simplify my photographs into bold, stylised designs, carve them into lino blocks and hand-print each limited edition on my etching press using oil-based inks.
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