Designed by Peter Benson, Chairman of the British Woodcarvers Association, this range of beautiful miniature carving tools opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Made by Ashley Iles, they are forged, ground and hardened to exactly the same standards as the larger tools and are an absolute delight to use. Unlike most miniature carving tools on the market you will find that because these tools are forged they are fairly heavy and rigid for their size. They feel very solid in use. As you can see in the photo the flatter gouges are all fishtail in style for more versatility in these small sizes.
The tools are sold individually (see below) but these two pre-made sets of six tools are also available. The sets do not overlap and cover a good portion of the more popular tools in the Peter Benson range.
Peter Benson Set 1 (top photo) includes:
Curved Gouge No.20: 3/16 (No.11 Sweep), Curved Gouge No.18: 1/16 (No.9 Sweep), Curved V Tool No.40: 1/16 , Fishtail Gouge No.5: 5/16 , Fishtail Gouge No.3: 1/4, Fishtail Gouge No.4: 3/16 packed in an Ashley Iles carving tool roll.
Peter Benson Set 2 (bottom photo) includes:
Straight V Tool No.41: 1/16 (45 degrees), Straight V Tool No.39: 3/16 (60 degrees), Curved Gouge No.18: 1/8 (No.9 sweep), Skew Gouge No.4L: 5/16, Skew Gouge No.4RC: 5/16, Shallow Gouge No.3: 3/8 packed in an Ashley Iles carving tool roll. Two of the tools in set two are skew gouges (no. 4 x 5/16" right and left) - which aren’t common tools but are incredible handy to doing small details.
For more information on Ashley Iles tools
Click here.
For a guide to the different types of carving tools
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4' handles. Approximately 6 1/4" overall. Sharp and ready to use. Make in England.
"The Peter Benson Detail Selection really is remarkable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these for fine, detailed work." Michelle Robertson, Editor, Woodcarving Magazine, Issue 108 p57.