Wood carving chisels for a beginner

[johno]

Any recommendations for a basic set of chisels suitable for an absolute beginner to the craft. Not necessarily looking for a large set, but rather a small number of reasonable quality tools that are likely to last for a while! Thanks

[The Natural Philosopher]

For small scale work I got a nice set of (hand) gouges in a craft shop.

Make good work on lime/bass wood.

[Ericp]

Amazon do several sets of basic tools but beware as they may come unsharpened. Sharpening tools like this can be a learning curve on its own.

[dennis]

idea what they are like.

[Andy Dingley]

Small number of them, but good ones. Also sharpening kit.

No idea why, but the Flexcut ones (try Axminster) do seem simpler to use successfully when beginning.

[Tim Watts]

and a set of 3 crap ones so you are never tempted to use the good ones for levering, on wood with hidden nails and suchlike.

[Nick]

Sharpening tools like this can be a learning curve on its own. Sharpening any tool is a learning curve and a blunt tool is no good to man or beast. Gives one a good feel and appreciation for the tool, whatever it may be. Just my 2p's worth. Nick

[johno]

Thanks for all the replies, always good to have some suggestions. I am not a newbie to sharpening tools etc, just new to wood carving and fully agree with all the sentiments re blunt tools! Trying to find good secondhand tools is always a high priority for me, however I have not managed to find any wood carving chisels yet, just a very good set of chip carving tools. Tim, I would never dream of using a chisel to lever out a nail!, my grandfather would turn in his grave if I did (he was my mentor) and as all the timber I will be carving is from the raw, nails should not be an issue, but I take your point. Johno, I will check out the Aldi offer tonight on the way home, worth a punt at that price! I like the looks of the Flexcut set at Axminster Andy and will probably buy a set on payday :-)

Thanks again for the advice