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The design of traditional carving chisels has remained virtually

unchanged over the years.

Tools from the east are typically long and slender while those

from the west have a squat, ball-shaped handle.

Both are razor sharp and carve similar kinds of marks.

There are multiple ways to hold Eastern style tools.

The ball shaped handle tools are limiting in this respect.

I recommend using Power Grip Carving Tools crafted by the Japanese company

Mikisyo. Their chisels are high quality and sets are affordable.

I will demonstrate the traditional Japanese style of holding a chisel.

I place my dominant hand in front of me,

my palm facing down in my fingers outstretched.

I lay the narrow section of the handle between my thumb and pointer finger.

Note that the power grip logo is facing up. Mine has worn off with use.

I contract my thumb and the handle’s narrow section

rests between my thumbs first knuckle and my pointer finger.

The butt end of the handle lies in the valley between these digits.

I rest the tip of my pointer finger on top of the handle over the power

grip logo. My middle finger, partially flexed,

supports the tool from below. My fourth and fifth fingers

I extend my dominant hand in front of me with my palm facing up.

Then, I lay the chisel in my open hand with the logo facing

down and the butt end positioned in the center of my palm.

I then angle the cutting tip beyond my pointer finger,

like so.

I firmly hold the tool within my grasp.

To carve,

I move my hand in a forward scooping motion pushing down

with my dominant pointer finger.

It is easy to slip when holding chisels in this

position,

so I recommend using it away from delicately carved areas.

The palm style is ideal for removing large swaths of wood.

Holding the handle of a Power Grip tool

like a pencil affords precise control,

which is excellent for executing minute details like stippling.

I recommend trying each hand position by carving on a piece of

test wood to start.

Practice will help you determine which carving style is most

comfortable for you.

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