Best linocut tools for carving lino
- Michelle Hughes
- Feb 8, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 12
In this blog, I've compared a selection of lino-cutting tools available in the UK. I've chosen three beginner's linocut tools sets and one professional set.
Along with a brief description of the pros and cons of each set, I've created a video showing the tools used on different types of lino.
Beginners 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 / easy carve lino and traditional artists 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.
Set of 5 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 easy carve or soft cut lino.
Cons
Essdee says they are not to be sharpened once blunt.
ABig linocut tools and handle set
Beginners 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
Beginners 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 tools set in the image are the ones that 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, as I like the organic variation in line you get with a V-shaped tool. 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 get away with using your largest U-shaped tool from a beginner's lino-cutting tool set to clear away large background areas.
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How to Sharpen Linocut Tools
There are various methods for sharpening tools. The best way is to maintain the edge by stropping or honing your tools each time you use them.
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 also offers this service.
Note: Some beginner's linocut tools can not 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’s a method to maintain a sharp edge on your tool 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—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 a linocut tools sharpening and regrinding service.
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
Learn How to Make Linocut Prints
Linocut Online Courses
Self-paced learning with step-by-step videos and guided projects.
Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing
How to Make a Multi-Block Linocut Print
Linocut Workshops in York
Small groups (max 4) for hands-on tuition in my print studio.
Level 1: Introduction to Linocut Printing
Level 2: “Jigsaw” Linocut Printing
Level 3: Multi-Block Linocut Printing
Linocut Book
Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut
by Michelle Hughes
A practical step-by-step guide for beginners and experienced printmakers.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make linocut prints with confidence, whether it’s simple one-colour linocut prints or more advanced multi-block and reduction techniques, my new book will guide you through every stage of the process.
About the author
Michelle Hughes is a North Yorkshire landscape artist. Much of her work depicts the Yorkshire landscape and Yorkshire coast, including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
Michelle loves exploring the British countryside by bike or on foot, camera in hand, capturing ideas for her next prints. Back in her garden studio, Michelle creates simple but stylised silhouettes based on her photographs, and hand carves these shapes into lino. She hand prints with an etching press, using oil-based inks to create tonal blocks of colour.
Michelle’s original linocut prints are limited editions.
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