Get Into the Tightest Corners and Finish the Job Clean

Rough work gets a piece close, but the last stage makes it look finished. That is where undercuts, sharp corners, and levelled backgrounds are done. A standard gouge has a parallel shank that rubs against the walls of a deep valley and bruises the wood. This 5-piece Maestro fishtail set is made to avoid that. The head flares out and the neck is narrow, so the edge goes into the tightest recesses while the shank stays clear. Your final passes stay clean and controlled.

Why Fishtails Work Here

In architectural relief and lettering you often have to level a background that is enclosed by vertical walls. A normal gouge hits those walls. The fishtail tapers to a narrow neck, so the edge reaches into corners and cuts under overhangs without touching the rest of the carving. The set gives you two standard fishtails for broad leveling and two long fishtails for reaching deep into valleys. One flat chisel completes it for crisp corners and vertical transitions.

Made for Delicate, Controlled Cuts

  • Hand-forged W1-7 high-carbon steel: A dense structure that holds a very thin but stable edge.
  • 60–62 HRC, 11-stage tempering: Stays sharp through hours of fine work in abrasive hardwoods like white oak and cherry.
  • Maestro geometry: The flared fishtail shape is designed for lighter, more controlled cuts, undercuts, and work under overhangs.
  • Oak handles with natural linseed oil: Balanced for the light hand pressure that finishing passes and delicate modeling need.
  • Hand-polished and stropped to a mirror finish: Made in our Stryi forge and ready to cut when it arrives.

What's in the Set

  • Flat Chisel #1, 10 mm: levels small backgrounds, sharpens interior corners, smooths vertical transitions
  • Fishtail Gouge #5, 15 mm: modeling organic forms and shallow hollows without the shank rubbing the work
  • Fishtail Gouge #5, 20 mm: broader leveling and smooth, flowing transitions in large architectural relief
  • Long Fishtail Gouge #5, 10 mm: deep reach and fine precision in deep 3D valleys
  • Long Fishtail Gouge #5, 15 mm: undercutting and smoothing transitions in tight spaces where standard-length tools lose their cutting angle

Note: This set is made for hand pushing and light taps, not for heavy mallet work.

Technical Specifications

Steel Grade 65G High-Carbon Steel
Metal Hardness 58-62 HRC (Rockwell Scale)
Sharpening Condition Professionally Hand-Sharpened, Razor Ready
Handle Material Solid Oak Wood with Protective Linseed Oil Finish

Shipping

Ships from Ukraine. Orders are dispatched within 5–10 business days.

Exchanges

Received the wrong item, or it's not what you expected? You can exchange it for another product within 14 days of receipt. The item must be unused, with original packaging, tags, and seals intact, along with your receipt.

Lifetime Warranty

Every STRYI tool is backed by our lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

What our customers say

Real projects, real customers, and trusted tools for every carving journey.
Customer review photo
★★★★★

A beautiful knife that arrived razor sharp and ready to go. I have found my new favourite knife. It makes such fine cuts and can also be used almost like a plane. All round buy this knife, you won't be disappointed

Scott M.

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

Got it for my husband. He loves them, says they're sharp and do the job well! ! love that it comes with a spoon blank too, gives him a head start on making me something:)

Tiffany

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

I've used a variety of knives, including those mentioned most by seasoned carvers; in my opinion, this ranks up there with those. It came sharp, and it strops up easily. I've enjoyed carving with this knife.

Todd M.

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

What a great knife for detailing. Sharpened at the right angle and I can get into small spaces with no problem.

Jeffrey R.

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

I only purchase tools as I identify a specific needs for my woodworking and sculpting. The V gouge I got from you is a pleasure to use and works exactly as I hoped. Beautiful tool.

Jim B.

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

Stryi carving tools are excellent! Hold an edge extremely well and are a more quality knife then some of the competitors. TINY CARVING

Donald T.

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

I am very happy with my purchase of these tools. They are comfortable and very sharp. I will be buying more.

Tim B.

✓ Verified buyer
Customer review photo
★★★★★

This is a great tool and is very well made. Arrived super sharp and highly polished. It cuts very well and very smoothly. It took about a 3 week to arrive to Alberta, Canada, but for the price it was well worth the wait. Thanks!

Michael

✓ Verified buyer

Why Carvers Choose STRYI

Razor-Sharp Out of the Box

Every STRYI tool is professionally sharpened and ready to carve right out of the box — no extra sharpening before your first project.

Lifetime Warranty

We stand behind every tool we make. Your STRYI tool is backed by our Lifetime Warranty.

Trusted by Carvers Worldwide

Made for woodcarvers, tested through real carving work, and trusted by thousands of customers around the world.

Built for Precision & Safety

Carefully crafted for controlled, precise carving — with an ergonomic design that helps you work confidently and comfortably.

FAQs

Are STRYI tools ready to use out of the box?

Absolutely. All STRYI tools come 'scary sharp' out of the box, meaning they are pre-sharpened and ready for immediate use without any additional preparation.

Do you offer tool sets for beginners?

Yes, STRYI offers various curated sets including versatile starter sets, spoon carving sets, chip carving sets, relief carving sets, palm chisel sets, and knife sets — ideal for those just getting started.

How long does shipping take?


Most orders shipped from Ukraine are delivered within approximately 5–10 business days. Selected products marked “Ships from USA” are typically delivered within 2–3 business days.


What is your customer rating?

STRYI is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by over 3,000 verified customers, reflecting our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

What is your return policy?


Eligible items may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Please contact us before sending a return so we can provide the correct return instructions based on the fulfillment location.

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