Linocut Carving Tools: A Comprehensive Guide

Cutters are hands down the most emblematic elements of lino art. Going from just drawing to actually carving a linoleum block is the most representative moment of this art. That is why having the right tools is so important.

As soon as I discovered lino printing I immediately loved it. I decided that I would create my first print. I had to get printing blocks, paper, ink, a roller, but more than anything I needed some decent linoleum carving tools.

I felt lost because I had no idea which ones to buy. I wish I had someone to suggest the best lino cutters for a beginner like I was, and that's why I am writing this guide. We'll see the various types of lino cutters you can buy online, the main features of these tools and learn how to pick the ones that best fit your needs. Hope you enjoy it!

Cutting Tools: Exploring Their Characteristics

When it comes to linoleum carving, there's a wide range of cutting tools to choose from. These tools vary in blade shapes and sizes, as well as in the materials and shapes of their handles.

The most noticeable differences can be seen in the types of tools available for beginners versus professionals. While beginner tools for block printing often feature a plastic structure and are primarily designed for engraving linoleum or rubber, high-end tools have the added versatility of being suitable for wood carving as well. Just think about the potential of using a tool designed for wood on a soft rubber!

Now, let's delve deeper into the features that both unite - and sometimes set apart - these intriguing cutting tools.

V Tools, U Tools, and Chisel Blades

As mentioned earlier, carving tool blades can come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the desired outcome. In linocutting, the most commonly used blade types are:

• V gouge - Has a cross-section V shape. This type of blade is typically used for precise and thin engravings, and to trace clean lines. It's the tool generally used to start outlining shapes.
• U gouge - Features a U-shaped section, with a curvature that can be more or less pronounced. This blade is typically used to remove linoleum from larger areas after outlining with a V blade.
• Chisel - Features a flat shape, ideal for removing entire strips of linoleum or for leveling raised parts created by carving with a U gouge.

As you may guess, the width of an engraving not only depends on the blade type but also on the applied pressure. Lighter pressure will result in finer lines.

Moreover, blade choice also depends on the effect you want to achieve. For example, to carve a circle you should use a U blade and rotate the linoleum block. Or, you can use a V tool for triangle-shaped engravings - just make an incision and then swiftly lift the tool to remove a triangle of linoleum!

Blade Sizes

The ideal blade size varies depending on your style as a linocutter. For smaller prints, smaller blades. Vice versa, if you often remove large areas of linoleum, larger U blades will make your job easier.

Generally, a 6mm V gouge and a 9-10mm U gouge are must-have for every linocut artist.

If you're not sure about which blades you'll need, I'd avoid purchasing a professional set with 6 or more knives. You might waste money on tools that'll just gather dust. I'd rather recommend starting with an affordable set, so you can get familiar with linocut and figure out which single tools to add to your toolkit.

Interchangeable Blades vs. Fixed-blade Cutters

Usually, cheap tools for block printing come with one handle and some interchangeable blades of different sizes and shapes. This has pros and cons. The advantage is that you can replace worn or damaged blades without spending much money. However, swapping out blades all the time while you're cutting can be quite tedious.

Non-sharpenable vs. Sharpenable Tools

As simple as that: a good fixed-blade cutter is always sharpenable, while replaceable blades aren't. That said, some users of brands like Speedball and Essdee say they sharpen the interchangeable blades too.

Handle Shapes

The handles of these tools can be very different from each other. Japanese cutters are typically long, while Pfeil tools have a mushroom or pear-shaped handle. Some love the ergonomic shape of Pfeil cutters, and how they fit in the palm; others prefer the typical japanese-style grip. It's just a matter of personal preference, and the only way to find out which handle shape suits you is to give them a try.

The Best Linocut Carving Tools

Now that you know their main features, let's make a list of the most popular linocut tools for block printing. I've broken it down into three categories, from the most affordable cutters to high-end tools.

Beginners Lino Cutting Tools

Speedball Lino Cutters

Speedball tools are very popular among beginners. The set includes a plastic handle and five tempered-steel blades:

• 2 V blades
• 2 U blades
• 1 knife

The average price typically falls between $10 and $20. It includes replaceable blades, that can't be sharpened once blunt.

Anyway, if you are new to linocut and need all the essentials, you might want to think about getting a Speedball kit. This kit also includes a roller, five tubes of ink in various colors, a block of linoleum, and a few more accessories.

Essdee Lino Cutting Tools

This tool is very similar to Speedball's. It has a plastic handle, and includes interchangeable blades that can't be sharpened.

You've got two options: picking up the 5-blade version, or the cutter with 10 blades for a few more bucks. Price-wise, there's not much difference between them, as both fall in the $10 to $20 range.

Abig Lino Cutter Set

Abig is a made in Germany brand boasting good quality products. The lino cutting set comprises a beech wooden handle with 5 blades:

• 1 V blade
• 3 U blades (2mm, 3mm, 4mm)
• 1 straight blade (cutting knife)

As with many other cutting tools in this category, the blades are changeable but cannot be sharpened. The average price of this set is between $10 and $20.

Japanese Cutting Tools

Japanese cutters are instantly recognizable from miles away due to their distinct design. They have a cylindrical handle paired with a fixed blade. You can find many japanese cutters for beginners online, generally of different brands. The online price averages between $15 and $30.

Most sets of this kind typically consist of 5 pieces:

• 1 V blade
• 2 U blades
• 2 chisels

The chisel blades are particularly useful for removing any residue or relief created on the linoleum after using a U-shaped tool.

Another important feature that sets apart these tools from the others on this list is their versatility - they're not just for linocut but also work great for wood carving.

Cutters available in ready-made kits

If you don't have any tools to start making linocut, you might consider buying a printing kit from Etsy. Some of these kits may not be of the highest quality, but they can be a good option for beginners. The biggest advantage is having everything you need in one package.

There's a wide choice of kits on Etsy, usually priced between $30 and $80. I recommend having a look at the reviews left by other users before buying. It's a good indicator of what to expect in terms of quality.

Mid-Range Linoleum Carving Tools

Japanese Power Grip Tools

Compared to the tools we've seen so far, the Power Grip ones are of a higher level of quality. They have a wooden handle - boasting a more ergonomic shape than the Japanese Cutters - and sharpenable blades that ensure a long lifespan and consistently high performance over time. That makes them suitable for both linoleum and wood engraving.

The Power Grip carving tools are available both individually and as a set. One of the most popular sets is the Mikisyo, which includes 5 tools for various engraving techniques:

• 3mm U
• 6.5mm U
• 5mm V tool
• 7mm Aisuki (for clearing areas you do not want to pick up ink)
• 10mm Hangito (for scoring edges)

The quality offered, combined with a reasonable price (usually between $20 and $30), makes this set an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned artists. It was one of my first purchases, and I have to say, it did not disappoint me. I still use these tools very often, and always with great satisfaction.

Flexcut Tools

Now we move up in quality and price. Flexcut tools are top-notch carving tools made in the USA, appreciated by many linocut and woodcut artists.

A distinctive feature of Flexcut tools is the handle design: its hardwood rounded shape is designed to fit perfectly and comfortably in the palm of your hand, providing a solid grip and optimal control when engraving.

The blades, made of carbon steel, guarantee strength, durability, and precision in cutting.

Flexcut gives you the choice to purchase tools both individually and as part of a set. The Micro-Palm set, in particular, is a popular pick among linocut artists. It includes 4 blades:

• 1mm U
• 1.5mm U
• 2.5 mm U
• 1mm V

This set can be found online in a price range from $65 to $80.

Professional Linocut Tools

Pfeil Carving Tools

Here's where things get interesting. The Swiss Pfeil brand is synonymous with premium, top-tier carving tools that combine functional excellence and elegant design.

These cutters can be purchased both individually or in sets, allowing artists to find the tool that perfectly matches their personal preferences.

However, Pfeil's tools aren't the most budget-friendly, and this can potentially deter novices. So, if you are new to linocut, I'd recommend that you start with more inexpensive tools, understand your preferences in blade types and sizes, and then consider adding some Pfeil tools to your collection.

The Pfeil micro series for linocut are:

• LS A
  • L1/8 = Straight Chisel, 8mm wide
  • L1s/8 = Skew Chisel, 8mm wide
  • L1a/8 = Spoon Chisel, 8mm wide
  • L5/8 = U gouge, 8mm wide
  • L11/3 = U gouge, 3mm wide
  • L12a/4 = 60° V gouge, 4mm wide
• LS B
  • L5/3 = U gouge, 3mm wide
  • L7/6 = U gouge, 6mm wide
  • L7/10 = U gouge, 10mm wide
  • L9/5 = U gouge, 5mm wide
  • L11/1 = U gouge, 1mm wide
  • L12/1 = 60° V gouge, 1mm wide
• LS C (the most popular, actually)
  • L8/3 = U gouge, 3mm wide
  • L8/7 = U gouge, 7mm wide
  • L9/2 = U gouge, 2mm wide
  • L11/0.5 = U gouge, 0.5mm wide
  • L12/4 = 60° V gouge, 4mm wide
  • L15/2 = 45° V gouge, 2mm wide
• LS D
  • L1/4 = Straight Chisel, 4mm wide
  • L1s/4 = Skew Chisel, 4mm wide
  • L5/5 = U gouge, 5mm wide
  • L7/4 = U gouge, 4mm wide
  • L11/2 = U gouge, 2mm wide
  • L8a/7 = Spoon gouge, 7mm wide

Prices for each of these sets range between $120 and $150; individual tools are priced between $20 to $30.

Josei Moku Hanga To

I am going to wrap up this list with one of the my favourite Japanese carving tools. The Josei Moku Hanga To tools deserve a special mention as they embody the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.

These Japanese carvers have an aesthetic that is significantly different from Pfeil. Longer wooden handles, carbon steel blades and a unique design make these tools coveted by any artist. Buying a Moku Hanga means investing in a piece of craftsmanship that, if properly cared for, can last a lifetime.

The four main categories of Moku Hanga cutters cover a wide range of options:

• Josei Sho To - Skew chisels ranging from 1.5mm to 24mm. Prices range from $18 to $80 per tool.
• Josei Hira To - Straight chisels ranging from 1.4mm to 24mm. Price range: $18 - $80.
• Josei Maru To - U gouges from 1mm to 24mm. Price range: $20 - $80.
• Josei Sankaku To - V gouge from 1mm to 15mm. Price range: $30 - $150.

Apart from Pfeil and Moku Hanga, there are many other professional tools I haven't mentioned here. Making an exhaustive list is not easy, but if you think there are any that deserve to be included, don't hesitate to let me know.

Tips for Beginners

The world of carving might seem vast and somewhat intimidating for beginners. With so many tools to choose from, a newcomer can easily feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

My advice - which I'll never grow tired of repeating - is to start with an affordable set. You'll be able to experiment without spending a lot until you have a clear understanding of what you really need. Tools are important; even more using the right ones.

FAQs

What are the most common blade shapes used in linocut?

V gouge (for precise, thin engravings), U gouge (to remove more extensive linoleum areas), and chisel (ideal for shaping, and cleaning bigger areas of linoleum).

How many blades do I need to start cutting a linoleum block?

You'll primarily need two tools: a V gouge for precision outlining, and a medium-sized U gouge that's versatile enough to tackle any other task.

What's the difference between a fixed-blade cutter and one with interchangeable blades?

Quality. Typically, cheaper tools come with one handle and a set of replaceable blades. Professional tools have fixed blades that can be sharpened with a water stone or a honing block.

How should I care for my tools?

Ensure they are clean after every use, sharpen them regularly, store them in a dry place. Proper care extends the life and maintains the quality of the tools.