Carving Essentials Tested: 23-Tools Versus Kits—Surprising Picks For Skills We recently picked up the Wood Carving Kit, 23pcs—a collection featuring 4 carving knives, 5 detail knives, and an array of 9 wood blocks—to see how it stacked up against standalone toolsets. The kit bundled so many pieces, we wondered if it would feel overwhelming. Instead, we found ourselves impressed by the variety. The knives, sharp and well-balanced, surprised us, especially the smaller detail tools. The blocks provided stability, making tasks like gouging feel more manageable for beginners and intermediates alike. Though we wouldn’t classify ours as true "carving essentials" without experience, the kit’s versatility made it an unexpected gem for hobbyists. It’s not the most expensive option, but the breadth of tools ensures we’ll have a few reliable picks at hand—and that’s hard to beat.