#pottery tools

Ahh, so sorry for taking 500yrs to answer this, @upmala !!

I did a little tool roundup a while ago with a bunch of my favourite tools, which can be found here, but that list didn't include my most-used engraving thing - the humble pin tool!

I have three (a reasonable number to have, I swear) - I just got the all-metal one & haven't used it much, but do have opinions about the other two:

This one is my favourite, as the sturdier pin-end/comfortable pin-to-handle ratio allows for a lot of control of the lines it makes. It's made by Kemper, who was closing/maybe has closed (??), but some shops might still have stock/I'm sure other companies make similar tools. I don't really use the other end at all, so it's not important (to me at least).

My other wood-handled pin tool (right) has a much longer/more flexible pin, but is a smaller gauge, so I use it for the very tiny details (eg. whiskers, delicate fur, etc). I'm just more careful about my pressure/angle with this one b/c sometimes it likes to go a bit rogue because the pin is so (comparatively) bendy.

I'll also reiterate my top texture tools from the post I linked:

That middle wooden tool is one of my absolute favourites - the point makes lovely smooth/shallow lines & the taper is great for feathers like on the sphinx wings as seen below (outermost long feathers)!

I also have a wooden tool with an even smaller point that I love (not pictured, but it sort of looks like a wooden version of a graphite-smudger).

Finally, the left-hand sgraffito tool below (also Kemper, sigh) is fantastic for detail carving, as its loop is exceptionally wee!

hi! I use a few different tools and I’m actually glad to be getting this question now because I recently got a new tool and wanted to write down my impressions

(I’m not sponsored or anything, I just like these)

my favourite tool is Kemper’s wire stylus, it’s a very fine tool and doesn’t generally leave furrows in the clay. plus the shape of it keeps me from accidentally carving too deep

I find Xiem’s ribbon tools incredibly useful for different sized marks, carving a smoother surface, or creating certain textures

and this is the new one I got about a month ago, Kemper’s small double-ball stylus. I know a couple other sgraffito artists who swear by them, but it’s not my favourite. it can carve some very fine lines but I find it often leaves furrows in the clay and I have to go over my lines a second time to clean them up 🫤 and it can slip and carve too deep as well if I accidentally use too much pressure

Creating texture with braided fibre, Africa.

Get a surfboard rib and up your platter game

@san-sebastienne thank you!

the details are done with Kemper’s wire stylus