www.woodsmithexperience.co.uk is the online toolstore of woodsmith Maurice Pyle. Maurice is based in the North East of England with a beautiful workshop Flint Mill within the grounds of Beamish Museum. I have very fond memories of the first few spoon carving courses I ran at Flint Mill. Maurice supplies green woodworking tools and books from his wonderful new website as well as other woody goods and services. That's Maurice using a very nice Hans Karlsson Carpenters Axe.In the last few years Maurice has been offering woodcraft holidays, including spoon carving, at his idyllic wooden house and woodland in Norway. Follow the link Scandinavian Adventures for more information
www.ragweedforge.com is the website of Ragnar’s Ragweed Forge an American historical re-enactment enthusiast. Because his interest is the Viking period Ragnar carries a very wide range of traditional knives made by Scandanavian companies. Brusletto, Helle, Karesuando, Frosts, Iisakki etc. I can't fault Ragnar's service when ordering from the UK, but larger orders can sometimes attract the attention of Her Majesty's Customs. UPDATE May 2012 Ragnar has, at least temporarily, stopped delivering outside the USA. Let’s hope he offers this service again soon.
www.dick.biz. Dick Tools are a German company, but both the website and paper catalogue are also available in English. They specialise in fine tools and have an excellent range of Scandinavian hand forged edge tools. Their other specialism is in quality Japanese tools
www.woodlandcraftsupplies.co.uk. This is the website of Woodland Craft Supplies, recently acquired by Matthew Robinson. Matthew’s company supplies green woodworking books and tools using a traditional mail order system. A great site to get hold of Hans Karlson gouges.
Svante Djarv hand forges about 4000 tools per year, including knives, axes and gouges, from his workshop in Sweden. His focus is on traditional tools of very high quality. The image on the right shows his small and large hook knives and sloyd knife, each with a surfaced handle for a good grip. The knives are shown alongside a half finished large spoon in cherry wood. Maurice Pyle at the Woodsmith’s Store now stocks Svante Djarv tools.
www.brisa.multi.fi. If you are interested in making your own carving knife, the Finnish web-site Brisa can provide the blades, horn, wood etc. Some simple how to guides on the site as well. It may be in Finland, but its all priced in euros. Superb photos of hand made knives to inspire as well.
www.pinewoodforge.com. This is Del Stubbs’ website. Del is an American spoon carver who sells specialist knives. The site has an excellent gallery and includes good information on spooncarving techniques, including the technique of kolrossing, which allows intricate patterns to be made on spoons and bowls.