Carving chisel, sweep 1

A carving chisel of sweep no. 1, meaning a flat blade with the cutting edge sharpened on both sides. This profile is used to cut letters, to carve by notching and to cut the corners of a relief cleanly, where a hollow gouge cannot go.

The flat blade, sharpened symmetrically, enters the wood straight whichever side is presented; this is what sets it apart from the joiner's chisel, sharpened on one side only. Steel blade, beech handle. Made in Switzerland by a manufacturer specialising in carving tools.

For lettering, draw the letters in pencil, cut the centre lines vertically, then clear the sides at an angle to form the V of each letter. Keep the blade keen on a fine stone and then a strop; a blunt chisel forces, slips and splits the wood.