I'm lefthanded and I don't have a problem using those things... I
hadn't even noticed, actually. The things I got seem to be sharp all
the way around the cutting end (they certainly are when I slip and
cut into a finger, anyway! :)

-Candlelight


>Dear boxers,
>
>I need some advice on carving tools. I got myself a Speedball
>Linozip handle with five bits only to find the the bits are
>single-edged and pretty much unusable if you're left-handed, as I
>am. What do other leftphanders use?
>
>Thanks,
>
>winternuts

SHARPEN! your blades as they never have a good
enough edge right out of the package. Also, the
Speedball gouges tend to have ripples (tiny, tiny
ones) that tear at the soft vinyl. I use 600 grit
black oxide sandpaper and a little cooking oil or
water. Remember to clean up the inside surface of
the gouge by folding a small piece of sandpaper
and pulling it from handle to tip a few times to
take off any burrs. Be sure to clean them off and
dry them before use. A few swipes over the paper
from time to time while carving helps keep up a
consistent edge.
You can make finer gouges by taking a pair of
pliers and pinching the tip a bit, too!

Good luck,
Susan
in Town Meeting mud season Vermont