Tool Selection - Northumbria Wood Engraving Tools

Made to Measure Tools

The standard length of the tools are 105-110mm long,

if you require a bespoke length, please request when ordering.

Shortening requires more work to the tool steel before the handles are fitted.

Lengthening the tool requires bespoke handles turned to create the extra length required.

(Max length before bespoke handles are made = 110mm).

As a guide, the tool length for engraving is determined by comfortably holding the tool

tucked into the palm of your hand and with your preferred grip as for engraving,

(you can use a pencil if you do not have a tool at hand.)

then mark the blade/pencil 10 -12mm in front of the foremost finger/thumb.

Measuring from the mark made back to the end of the handle/pencil this will give you your total tool length.

Tool Numbering System

This is where things can get confusing, there are numerous numbering systems to determine the size of the tools used in end grain wood engraving.

In the USA the numbering system is derived from traditional engraving tool catalogues, where the number relates to the tool type and to the cutting edge width, but not an exact dimension, lower numbers within a range = smaller/finer cutting widths, higher numbers larger widths.