Ashley Iles is one of the great edge tools makers in the world. Their carving tools are considered some of the finest currently made, their chisels get great reviews, and their turning tools, while not very well known in the United States are extremely popular in England. We stock the largest selection of their tools anywhere.
Below is a chart of all their full sized carving tools that we stock, grouped by style, sweep, and size. The chart shows the latest inventory information, and will also show which tools are in your current shopping basket.
The average full sized tool is around 9" long overall but smaller narrower sizes are typcially shorter with a smaller handle, and larger tools are usually a little longer and have a heavier, bigger handle. All these tools are hand forged and have bolsters so they can be struck with a wooden mallet.
Sets of tools and other tools that don't fit into the standard chart are listed with a link below the chart. We also stock Ashley Iles block or plam tools and the Peter benson detail tools, see below for links.
Most every carving teacher and tool company in the world usually suggests a kit of about six tools to start with. The problem is that nobody agrees on which six tools. Therefore in addition to the stock sets offered by Ashley Iles we also offer a 10% discount on any combination of 6 or more individual carving tools. You can mix and match the tools between all individual tools of all styles including block cutters, palm tools, and Peter Benson detail tools.
Note: Sweep I is a straight chisel. Sweep 2 is a skew chisel or in English carving terminology a "corner" chisel. With the exception of dog leg chisels all Ashley Iles straight and skew chisels are double beveled.
For more information on Ashley Iles tools
Click here.
For a guide to the different types of carving tools
Click here.
Accessories and related items of interest:
Customer Reviews:for an average rating of:
chisel fetishist
By: dan (Oct, 2022)
i own herring addis barr specialty lie nielson bristol design and sorby....ashley isles ranks #1
John
By: John Beecher (Aug, 2022)
I have purchased over 150 of the Ashley Iles carving tools from Tools For Working Wood. I find these tools to be far superior to anything else on the market. And,Tools For Working Wood's customer service and prompt shipment to be excellent!
I own this product.
re: Tools came filled with sand and marred
By: Joel (Oct, 2021)
Jake,
I am sorry that the tools had some debris in the cases. It is not typical and it sounds like the sizes you ordered are not common and consequently probably sat in the warehouse longer than usual.
I am the manufacturer of this product.
Tools came filled with sand and marred
By: Jacob (Oct, 2021)
Purchased 7 tools which is a lot of money, and which I needed to use immediately. All came in Ashley Iles pouches filled with sand and debris. The steel and ferrules were marred. They're obviously been like that for a while. I've never experienced a purchase like this before in my life. Really unfortunate. Obviously won't be returning because I've honed the blades.
I own this product.
Fully satisfied, and I want more of these carving tools!
By: Larry (Oct, 2018)
I have three gouges so far and am very satisfied with balance, weight, shape and especially the finish on both handle and shaft. Holds a keen edge well, too. I am about to order fishtail gouges and, like Shai mentioned earlier, I do wish there were more photos as examples. How much splay will there be? True fishtail, partial? I will trust Ashly Iles and expect excellent quality again.
I own this product.
european sizes & pictures
By: Shai (Jan, 2018)
Hello, I am from Israel. i've heard very good reviews about the Ashley Iles chisels. It would help me as a costumer to have the european sizes along with the american ones, and also pictures of the chisels will help.
Thanks and have a good day
The Best Available
By: Dan (Dec, 2017)
I own about 20 of these full size Ashley Iles carving tools now and I simply can't think there are any better tools out there on the market. These tools are traditional, solid with lots of steel and a substantial beech handle. Of the other brands I'm familiar with, Henry Taylor is trending towards removing as much metal from their tools as they can get away with, Flexcut is just, well Flexcut and Pfiel is expensive. Once you compare prices with Pfiel, Taylor, Dastra and Two Cherries, you realize what a bargain these Ashley Iles are.
I own this product.
Love these.
By: Ricky (Feb, 2016)
I ordered a set based on Mary May's school tool recommendations. They are fantastic, showed up razor sharp, and were shipped out to me very quickly. I'll definitely buy more of these and will continue to order tools from toolsforworkingwood.
I own this product.
