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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.

Essdee linocut tools
Essdee linocut tools

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.

Abig linocut tools
Abig linocut tools

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.

Japanese wood carving tools
Japanese wood carving tools

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.

Pfeil linocut tools -  LSC set
Pfeil linocut tools - LSC set

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.

Pfeil linocutting tools LSC set. From left to right they are L 8/7, L 8/3, L 9/2, L 12/4, L 15/2, L 11/0.5
Pfeil linocut tools LSC set. From left to right they are L 8/7, L 8/3, L 9/2, L 12/4, L 15/2, L 11/0.5

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.