What’s in My Toolbox? 13 Carving Essentials I Can’t Live Without
Carving is one of those crafts where your tools truly shape your experience. The right gouge glides through wood like butter, the right knife makes clean cuts feel effortless, and the right accessories keep you safe, sharp, and inspired. After years of carving, teaching workshops, and testing all kinds of tools, I’ve narrowed down my favorites—the ones I reach for every single time. Whether you’re just starting your carving journey or looking to upgrade your kit, these are my tried-and-true essentials.
01. Japanese Carving Gloves – $27
Carving should be fun, not scary. These cut-resistant gloves are lightweight, flexible, and give me peace of mind while working with sharp blades. They protect without feeling clunky, which means I can carve comfortably and safely. Japanese Carving Gloves – $27
02. Japanese Carving Knife – $65
This is the knife I trust for crisp, precise cuts. Its sharp edge is perfect for whittling down spoon handles or refining small details. It’s beautifully balanced and feels like an extension of your hand once you get used to it. Japanese Carving Knife – $65
03. 12mm Spoon Gouge – $37
The gouge is the MVP of spoon carving. With its curved blade, it’s perfect for hollowing out bowls and spoon heads. The 12mm size is my favorite sweet spot—not too big, not too small—making it versatile for all kinds of projects. 12mm Spoon Gouge – $37
04. Spoon Carving Blanks – $15–$20
Every project starts with good wood. These blanks are thoughtfully cut and sized to be beginner-friendly. They take the guesswork out of sourcing, so you can get straight to the fun part: carving. Spoon Carving Blanks – $15–$20
05. Ruler – $17
Simple, yes—but essential. I use mine constantly to measure blanks, mark lines, and check proportions. A sturdy ruler keeps your work consistent and helps you learn precision from the very beginning. Ruler – $17
06. Dyed Canvas Tool Roll – $48
Once you start collecting tools, you’ll want to keep them safe. This durable canvas roll keeps knives and gouges protected (and keeps me from losing them under piles of shavings). Plus, it looks beautiful rolled up on the workbench. Dyed Canvas Tool Roll – $48
07. DIY Cork + Wood Care Pack – $24
Think of this as self-care for your projects. After carving, I always finish with wood butter and a touch of cork care oil. It makes the wood glow, protects it from drying out, and gives each piece that polished, finished feel. DIY Cork + Wood Care Pack – $24
08. Japanese Bowl Gouge – $49
Bigger than the spoon gouge, this one’s made for carving bowls or larger hollow forms. It removes wood quickly but still gives you smooth, controlled cuts. If you’re ready to move beyond spoons, this is your next step. Japanese Bowl Gouge – $49
09. Stoggles Safety Glasses – $39
Stylish safety? Yes, please. I never carve without eye protection, and Stoggles makes it easy because they’re lightweight, anti-fog, and actually cute. They look more like glasses than goggles, so I never feel silly wearing them. Stoggles Safety Glasses – $39
10. Shinto Saw Rasp – $40
This is the tool I didn’t know I needed until I had it. It’s amazing for shaping and smoothing edges quickly. The rasp is made of layered saw blades, so it cuts fast but leaves a surprisingly smooth finish. Perfect for refining curves or handles. Shinto Saw Rasp – $40
11. Kanetsune Carving Knife – $30
A slightly different profile than my Japanese Carving Knife, this one is small but mighty. It’s perfect for detail work and beginners love it because it feels easy to handle right away. Kanetsune Carving Knife – $30
12. EZ Sharpening Cloth – $18
Sharp tools are safe tools. This cloth is my quick fix for keeping edges razor-sharp. It’s portable, easy to use, and saves me from the frustration of carving with a dull blade. EZ Sharpening Cloth – $18
13. Marimekko Unikko Apron – $61
Carving is messy—sawdust everywhere! A sturdy apron keeps me clean, and this one doubles as a style moment. I love the iconic Unikko print; it makes the studio feel brighter and makes me feel like myself even when covered in shavings. Marimekko Unikko Apron – $61
Bonus: Toyo Toolboxes – $35-$140 (varies by size/color)
Every tool needs a home. My Toyo toolbox is tough, portable, and has the kind of Japanese design details that make even storage feel special. It keeps everything organized and ready to grab when I’m headed to a workshop or just working in the studio. Toyo Toolboxes – $35-$140
Why These Tools Matter
This lineup covers the full arc of carving: safety, cutting, shaping, finishing, and caring for your work. Having the right tools means fewer frustrations, cleaner results, and more joy in the process. These are my favorites—the ones I’d recommend to anyone starting their own carving journey. Build your kit slowly, care for your tools well, and they’ll reward you with years of creative projects.
