Great set, especially for beginners, which I was 2 years ago when I got this. It's a lot of "bang for the buck" when you're first starting and want an affordable variety of tools. Even now, with more experience, I use this set a lot, and although I've since bought other brands of gouges in additional sizes, I still use these regularly. I did end up buying a 2nd smaller handle (the larger wooden handle I find uncomfortable and clumsy to use) for efficiency, but swapping the tools in an out it no big deal. They stay secure in the handle and do not wobble at all. I also bought a Flexcut 19 slot tool roll for mobility - I found the box to be cumbersome and useless. I suppose it's fine if you only carve in one spot, but even so, the roll is more efficient. Haven't used the knife much as I have other knives I like more that Flexcut (the blades are thicker than I like and the handles are uncomfortable), but the gouges are great.

I have more expensive carving tools, and I like them better. But, I would say that for the money paying $150 for this many tools is a really good deal. Also, I like the fact that they all are made in the US and pretty sharp out the box too. I think a lot of people will like the instructions and the dvd included which helps explained things for beginners. I would buy the more expensive Pfeil tools, but I noticed they were not available. But, I am glad that I bought these tools instead. I think they are still really well made and are not a lot worse than the Pfeil tools. I would say the main difference is that the Pfeil tools are designed with more intricate angles and made for a higher standard of work. I would recommend these to anyone that is particularly not a professional artist. I think that even being one myself that they work really well, but I do linocuts and mostly make mono prints with a profession press. I think the biggest question should be what are you using these for. I would buy the Pfeil if I was making wood relief prints or carvings. I would not hesitate buying these if you are only using them for linocuts.

I bought one of these sets when I had a carving job to
do and my 40-odd other carving tools were in storage in
another state. I had never used the unhandled carving
tools and I am not wild about them having done it. This
set came with 2 handles in different styles and they are
fine but switching tools is not that easy to do. I would
want at least 3 more handles if using this set much.

Of course including 2 handles keeps the price down and
you get a lot of cutting tools for the money.

The set is an excellent value, but of limited usefulness
to me. I'll get around to making dedicated handles for
the tools sometime perhaps, which would invalidate the
usefulness of the case the set comes in.

Flexcut includes some band-aids which is a nice thing
for a carving set to have.

These tools also fit some models of reciprocating power
carving tools. I don't have one of those machines so
I can't comment on how well they cut or hold up in that
application.

This excellent kit is available from a number of vendors but Amazon Prime had the best price at about $38US cheaper than other vendors (in 2013). I'm very glad I got it, and got it from Amazon.

The Dear Woodworker(TDW) really likes this kit: he appreciates that it is a kit & all pieces can be easily stored in the good-quality box. The blades are readily accessed during projects in the holder provided for them; multiple blade handles make it convenient to have a few blades set-up & ready to grab during projects; the strop provided is a good starter strop, not great but certainly good enough. The dvd is a nice feature since "I'm always open to the chance to learn something".

The blades arrived with a nice edge which is easily maintained. The strop provided was used one or twice as a test & was a success, but TDW prefers his own strop to keep the blades in top sharpness. The provided strop should certainly be sufficient for the beginning carver until the next investment can be made.

As chief nurse of the family I appreciated the not-so-subtle reminder of tool sharpness: the little packet of bandaids that came with the set! ;)

Not a nubee to whittling and carving- I have quite a selection of veiners, gouges and skews. I looked all over the web at 'opinions' on flexcuts products- those that love them, really love em. Those that don't like em, don't...but also don't share any reasons why they don't. (I can speculate that they also already have many expensive tools- and don't see any reason to duplcate tools they enjoy). I have and use my tools- but I also like to try the new.
I side with the first group- love em !
Really like the 'spring' the Flexcuts give. Many (Many) times- as I have worked with a standard gouge... they will dig right into an area you don't want to carve. The Flexcut's seem to be able to stop cutting a little quicker when you let off the 'flex' pressure.
The tools come SHARP !
The quality of the tools steel is suprisingly great. They come SHARP ( o- I said that already) and are easly stropped into sharp again with just the supplys given in this packages assortment.
It is a little funny to see the blades- they look like they are made from metal strapping- but, again- the tools steel quality is TOP Quality.
Nice assortment of Blade styles and sizes. Both handles are also good quality. These are REAL Quality Tools that anyone will have and enjoy for a very long time.
I find that I reach for these as often as my standard fixed handled carving tools... some times more so, for smaller more intricate cuts.
Bonus points for the DVD. (Though I fell asleep for the middle of it- I really was tired)...cuz he really does show you all of the detail involved in a relief carving. Promiss I will watch it again.