The company Kirschen, as a leading German manufacturer of carving tools, forges exclusively by hand using a special tool steel with a high carbon content. This gentle material deformation is the foundation for the high quality and long lifespan of the „Kirschen” tools. The high-gloss polished surface facilitates resharpening and honing. The hardness is 61 HRc.

The numbers can guide you in your selection.
Example: C312912
C = designates the manufacturer "KIRSCHEN"
31 = Series 31, these are sculptor’s chisels in standard size.
29 = the middle two digits indicate the internationally used sweep number.
12 = indicates the blade width in mm (exception: ornamental tools)

On this page, you will find exclusively sculpting tools of Series 31, that is, standard size. Their total length is generally 24 to 26 cm, some very wide tools can be slightly longer. The dimensions are adapted to the respective requirements, so narrow chisels are made lighter and more manageable than wide tools. Wide tools are also worked more with a mallet, so they must also withstand greater stress. The octagonal white beech handle is also adapted in size to the respective chisel shape and has a metal ring to prevent splitting when being worked with a mallet.

Beginners are recommended to start with the chisels of this Series 31 and only after gaining experience to acquire other tools, such as chip carving chisels, etc.

The sweep numbers indicate the blade shapes. Sweep 1 indicates a straight blade, sweep 3 a slightly gouged blade, and sweep 11 a heavily gouged blade. The V-shaped blade is also called „goosefoot,” available in sweeps 39 to 45, which indicate specific angles here. Additionally, there are special forms like ornamental tools for the finest cuts and the somewhat more delicate flower tools with a thin shaft.

Besides the sweep numbers, the shape of the shaft is significant. The shaft can be straight, as is the case with the majority of chisels. Then there are the bent tools, which have a curve along the entire length of the shaft, and the cranked tools, which are bent only in the front third. They are very suitable for hollows. The special form of the reversed cranked shaft is particularly suitable for outer curves.

Important: The depicted sweeps and tool images are as true to nature as possible. Small deviations in form and size cannot be avoided with hand-forged tools.