hello! your handbuilding skill is impressive! i’m just getting started in ceramics (about 6 months ago) and now i’m at the point where i could buy myself some tools - we have some metal scrapers and shaped wooden sticks at the studio, but it’s not much. what kinds of tools do you use to get such clean lines and engravings on your figurines?
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!
I hope this is helpful!
