Are STRYI gouges ready to use out of the box?
Yes. Every STRYI gouge, knife and chisel is hand-sharpened and honed before dispatch. The tool is ready to carve straight out of the box.
Are STRYI tools suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our range includes both professional wood carving tools and sets for beginners.
What steel do you use?
STRYI tools are made from high-carbon U8 tool steel, which holds an edge well and is an excellent choice for professional carving tools.
Do I need to sharpen the tool after buying it?
No. The tool is fully ready to use. After that, we only recommend honing the cutting edge from time to time.
Can I order a tool made to my own specifications?
Yes. We make tools to customers' individual requirements: the shape, profile, handle, size and sharpening angle can all be adapted to a carver's specific tasks.
What makes STRYI different from other brands?
STRYI combines hand craftsmanship, correct blade geometry, professional sharpening and continuous improvement of the tools based on the experience of master carvers.
Do you ship orders abroad?
Yes. STRYI tools are used by carvers in 87 countries around the world.
How should I care for my gouges?
After use, clean the tool of dust and moisture, and strop it from time to time on leather with GOI paste.
What tools do I need to start wood carving?
To begin, a basic set is enough: a skew knife, a few gouges of different profiles, and a leather strop for honing.
Are STRYI gouges suitable for hardwoods?
Yes. Thanks to correct heat treatment and blade geometry, the tools work effectively on both soft and hard wood species.
Where are STRYI tools made?
All STRYI tools are made in Ukraine, in the city of Stryi, Lviv region.
What is the Rockwell hardness of STRYI gouges?
At the STRYI workshop we strictly follow all heat-treatment procedures for maximum durability and correct performance. The hardness of STRYI gouges depends on the type and thickness of the tool and averages 58 to 62 HRC on the Rockwell scale.
Can STRYI gouges be used with a mallet?
Yes. To make the work easier — especially on hardwoods — you can use a mallet and mallet technique with STRYI gouges. The steel, heat treatment and construction of the tool are fully adapted and designed for such loads.
How do I care for the tool so it doesn't rust?
Caring for a STRYI tool is very simple. Keep your gouges in a dry place, protected from moisture and water, and wipe the tool dry after use. This keeps the steel, the edge and the tool's appearance in good shape for years.