Faithfull gouges

I've commented on inexpensive tools available to woodworkers because sometimes it is false economy to buy something that seems cheap because it seems inevitable that the tool or equipment will fail by breaking, or have some built-in faults from low quality standards in manufacture or materials used. Aldi chisels for example are extremely cheap in price, but the chisels tick almost every box for me. I did the same with a range produced by Faithful blue chisels a few years ago and stil use the set I tested and they are still available. They again proved of equal worth to say those produced in China under the Irwin brand, but selling for about or less than half the price. So there you have two types to pick from.

I recently tried a gouge made by Faithful and ordered several. They are consistent in quality and have shaped walnut handles, bolstered tangs and the steel used has good edge-retention qualities. They are lovely to use and are ideal spoon-making gouges. I paid less than £4 per gouge. The gouge slips in and out of the hand easily and the waisted handle affords good grip for hand pressure.

I've made hundreds of wooden spoons like the ones shown here. They take me about 45 minutes to complete and I sell them for about £20made from oak, walnut, cherry or mesquite. I shape them with oval handles for a secure fit and grip and size them to purpose and the hand that will use them.