This site uses cookies, your continued use implies you agree with our cookie policy. Dismiss

Shortbent Skew Chisels

When you need them, you really need them!

The shortbent skew comes into its own in relief carving, getting into those awkward corners that other tools can't reach. There are 2 sorts available: 

1. Actual chisels that are bent and skewed: given the number 22 in the Sheffield list. The ones I have here are made by Henry Taylor.

2. Flat (#3) gouges, which are the ones I prefer and, again, shown here, They are made by Pfeil and seem to be more readily available. (I have no financial interest here). Pfeil flattest gouge is designated 'cut 2' and they make a right and left skewed version. You'd want to buy a pair, 3mm is a good width for most work.

As for sources, you'll need to do a online search I'm afraid...

Comments:

| 04 August 2016 16:22

Thank you so much! Yes I missed the second page:) I just watched the video and it answered all my questions thank you for the quick and kind response.

| 04 August 2016 07:56

Jessica - No need to apologise. There IS a lesson on page 2 of the Sharpening section: Sharpening Shortbent Gouges, but I can see how it can readily be missed: It's a standalone video and these don't appear in the directory on the left and we decided not to list every single thing there to prevent the directory becoming ungainly. It's a big website now! Anyway, do dig in and have a look at that one.

There are 2 sorts of shortbent gouges:
Flat ones (#3's), used for accessing and flattening backgrounds. These can be treated and used like normal flat gouges, but sort of on a bent stick...
'Quicker' (more curved) ones used for excavating hollows. These don't have an inside bevel: the very geometry of how the tool is used means we really need a rounded bevel and can dispense with the inner one. You would only use a slipstone for cleaning up any inside wire edge after sharping the outer bevel.

| 03 August 2016 19:52

When Sharpening a spoon bent do you make an inside bevel? I watched all of your videos and I might have over looked the section where you talk about sharpening them...So if you have covered this I apologize.

Please login to post a comment