Wood carving chisel Kirschen 3112 cut 3 curved blade

The Kirschen 3112 wood carving chisel features a cut 3 flat curved blade designed for removing material in shallow, controlled sweeps. Part of the Serie 3112 range, these chisels are equipped with octagonal hornbeam handles for improved grip and control. The gentle curvature of the blade bridges the gap between a straight chisel and a deep gouge, making it ideal for scooping shallow hollows, softening transitions, and cleaning concave surfaces.

Each blade is hand-forged, so the specified cut is indicative and may vary slightly. The series includes sixteen blade widths, ranging from narrow detail chisels to wide shaping irons. Tool length increases with blade width, which also affects the leverage at the handle. Blades are also available without handles for users who prefer to fit their own. Dimensions and weights may vary slightly due to the hand-forging process.

Wood carving chisel Kirschen 3112: blade form and construction

Blade geometry and build

The cut 3 profile provides a shallow arc across the cutting edge. Compared to deeper sweeps, it removes thinner shavings and leaves a flatter trough, making cutting depth easier to judge during use. The blade is hand-forged and paired with an octagonal handle, consistent with the rest of the carving range.

• Blade form: flat curved chisel, Serie 3112
• Sweep designation: cut 3
• Hand-forged blades; stated cut is indicative
• Octagonal hornbeam handle
• Sixteen blade widths from 2 mm to 40 mm
• Total lengths from 230 mm to 280 mm depending on width
• Single blades available without handle

Narrow blades from 2 mm to 6 mm are suited for lettering, veining, and fine ornamentation. Medium widths around 10 mm to 18 mm are suitable for most relief carving. Wide blades from 25 mm to 40 mm are used for quickly clearing ground and leveling larger hollows. Selecting two or three widths from the same series ensures a consistent cut profile throughout a project.

Handle and grip control

The hornbeam handle is turned to an octagonal shape. This provides flat surfaces for hand reference. It allows the blade to be rolled to a known angle. The blade can be held steady during push cuts. The flats also prevent the chisel from rolling off sloped benches. Hornbeam is a dense, fine-grained hardwood, making it ideal for both struck and hand-pushed carving tools.

• Handle material: hornbeam
• Handle form: octagonal, eight flats
• Flats assist with angle orientation and prevent rolling
• Handle fitted with a ferrule at the blade junction

Handle size increases with blade width in this series, following the length increments listed in the catalogue. Larger blades provide a fuller grip for two-handed use, while smaller blades remain light for fingertip control. All sizes share the same handle pattern, ensuring a consistent feel across a mixed set.

Common applications

Typical uses include relief carving, scooping shallow concave surfaces, and cutting soft curved grooves. The cut 3 profile is also used for blending facets left by straight chisels and shaping decorative mouldings. Furniture restorers use it to match existing carved details, while pattern makers and model builders use the narrow widths for fine ornamentation. Wide blades are useful for removing background material before finishing with flatter chisels.

Catalogue data, Serie 3112

The 2026 catalogue lists Serie 3112 as the flat curved chisel in the cut 3 group, alongside Serie 3103 straight chisels and Serie 3124 spoon bent chisels. Widths range from 2 mm to 40 mm. Dimensions range from 230 x 20 x 20 mm to 280 x 30 x 30 mm. Weights range from 55 g to 242 g. All dimensions, weights, and sweep profiles are approximate due to hand-forging.

Selection notes

Select the blade width based on the finished cut required, not the stock size. Two adjacent widths cover more work than a single mid-size chisel. Keep the bevel sharp, as a shallow sweep will show tear-out quickly in figured wood. Blades without handles are suitable for workshops that prefer to fit their own handles.