Best linocut tools for carving lino
Updated: Mar 31, 2022
In this blog I've compared a selection of lino cutting tools available in the UK. I've chosen 3 beginners linocut tools sets and one professional set.
Along with a brief description, pros and cons of each set, I've created a video showing each of the tools being 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
Linocut tools demo
In this video I've demonstrated each of the 4 different types of linocut tools on soft cut / 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 that actually 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.
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 say they 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 set in the image are LSC Pfeil tools. 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 palm of your hand.
Wide variety of blades available.
Cons
Expensive if just trying linocutting for the first time.
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. L 8/7 I use for clearing large areas.