Relief Cutting: Choosing the Right Tool
This blog is a deep dive into different types of relief carving tools. Which tools produce which style of lines and how to pick the right one for your needs.
The 'V' Tool
A staple for relief carving the 'V' tool is primarily used for line work and produces straight or curved lines with pointed ends. These tools can also be used to produce straight edges and corners in your designs. A snap off-technique can be used to end lines with a straight edge rather than pointed - This is achieved by snapping the lino up at the end by pulling your tool directky up rather than pushing the tool out gradually in a tapering line.
The 'V' tool is often used to create tonal variation through techniques such as cross hatching or through creating tapered lines where variation in width will create a tonal affect in single-colour printing.
Use a fine 'v' tool such as the Hwahong V1 tool for the most delicate smaller lines or a thicker option such as the E C Lyons 6mm V gouge cutter for deeper cuts.
Experimentation idea: playing around with your tools can lead to variation in mark making opportunities, you may try wiggling the v tool as you carve through your lino for a jagged line.
Tip: We have stained our lino lightly using Indian Ink and a rag so the line work is easier to see.
The 'U' Tool
The trusty 'U' tool is the perfect addition to your relief printing tool box and offers a more uniform way of creating lines, producing softer rounded edges. These tools are also popular for clearing as they can create flatter areas; reducing raised lines where ink may be picked up when printing.
'U' tools have traditionally been used to create circles in relief plates, this can be achieved by rotating the lino block while keeping the tool still (for a more consistent dot we recommend the Nonaka Screwpunch - more details contained in this blog)
Use a finer 'U' tool for creating rounded lines and dots while a wider 'U' tool is ideal for clearing out larger areas quickly. The 5 Piece Japanese Tool Set contains both a small and wide 'U' so. you have a tool for any eventuality.
Experimentation Ideas: While we often think of holding our lino still and carving through, some unique effects can be made by moving the lino as we carve. A wobbly line can be achieved with your 'U' tool by holding the tool straight and wobbling your lino block from side to side as you puck through.
Knifes & Angled Tools
A knife or angled carving tool features a flat and straight shaft with an angled blade at the end. Often this tools have one beveled side and one flat side, however some toools are bevelled on both sides. Similarly to the 'V' Tool a Relief Knife is used for line work; where a more consistent and controlled line can be produced. They can also be used to outline a shape or line before cutting out around the line so a clean edge is maintained.
Straight or curved lines can be carved into your relief block by using the tip of the blade. Holding the blade with the flat surface on the left side and pushing down into the lino at a slight tilt to the right this is the only tool you'll carve towards yourself so it's best to take things slow. You can then turn the block and do the same thing again from the right of the line already produced.
TIP: You may find this tool is easier to use with a pre-drawn line in place.
Hwahong produces an angled tool in two finer sizes while for larger lines the E C Lyons knife is our favourite in this category.
For the Left Handers: While most tools of this style are made to suit the right-handed individual left -handers may find it easier to flip the blade and carve upwards instead - essentially doing the same motion in reverse. Alternatively, the E C Lyons Knife or Hwahong Angled Tools are beveled on both sides
Chisel & Straight Tools
Traditionally used for woodblock printing the chisel has a few uses for softer relief plates as well.
With a straight bevelled edge this blade can be used for producing sharp edges and scraping down any raised lines in large cleared areas to prevent ink pick up. To use the chisel for cleaning up your exposed lino have the flat side facing up and carve away lightly at the lino you want to flatten out. (See our example picture where one side has been cleaned with the chisel)
Experimentation Idea: you may wish to try creating squares with this tool by pushing the tool straight down in to the plate for each side and then using the edge to lift out the square you have drawn in.
The Ringer
While not a traditional lino tool, The Nonaka Screwpunch offers a unique way of getting the perfect dot on your softer relief plates (i.e. Silk Cut and Vinyl Tile).
The Nonaka screwpunch offers a range of 11 bit sizes for producing a variety of dot sizes. With this tool you can create beautiful dot stipple effects in your relief plates; a great way to add tonal effects in single-colour printing.
Pictured: Lino with holes made from a Nonaka Screwpunch Bits from 1.0mm - 2.0mm in size.
Can you Handle This?
Once you know what style of cutter you want the last thing to consider is which handle style may suit your needs best. Different brands usually use a certain handle style across their range from mushroom to pencil-style handles we break down which style may fit your needs best
Pencil Handle
A popular style and Ideal for the beginner printmaker. A pencil style handle is a great introduction to carving and is a shape your already familiar with handling. Our Japanese tool sets feature this style of handle while our most popular carving tools from HWAHONG feature a more ergonomically designed pencil handle.
Mushroom Handle
This style of handle features an initial straight shaft that goes into a rounded dome like shape reminiscent of a mushroom. This style has been designed for the tool to sit in the palm of the hand offering greater control and pressure when carving. Our E C Lyons tools feature a maple wood mushroom handle in their signature red tone.
Detachable Handles
A number of brands such as Speedball and ABIG design universal handle sets for relief carving. These handles offer a flexible option for changing carving heads while using the same tool. The Speedball cutter offers extra convenience with storage in the handle for the heads when not in use.
