Jack Richeson - Fettling Knife

Fettling Knife

Trim clay and plaster precisely with this flexible 8-inch blade

Clay work demands constant adjustments, trimming excess, refining contours, smoothing joins between coils or slabs. This 8 1/8-inch fettling knife handles those recurring tasks with a 4 1/4-inch soft blade that flexes enough to follow curves without gouging. The blunt point lets you work close to delicate areas safely, scraping away material with control rather than stabbing through it. That flexibility makes it equally effective for shaping plaster molds or carving into styrofoam armatures when you're building sculptural foundations.

The soft blade adapts to your hand pressure, responding to how firmly you push rather than cutting aggressively on contact. Trim thrown vessels on the wheel, clean up slab edges, or blend seams where separate clay sections meet. Jack Richeson designed this tool for sculptors and ceramicists who need one reliable knife that moves between different forming stages, rough shaping through final surface refinement. The length provides leverage for larger cuts while maintaining enough precision for detailed work around handles or decorative elements.

Sculpting

Sculpting Purchase Guide

Sculpting Materials and Tools

Straight Chisels - Essential wood carving tools for creating detailed sculptures and decorative woodwork. Available in various sizes and shapes for different carving techniques.

Modeling Clays - Various types of sculpting clay including polymer clay, air-dry clay, and oil-based modeling clay for different sculpting applications.

Modeling Tools - Professional sculpting tools including wire tools, loop tools, and specialty implements for shaping and detailing clay and other sculpting materials.

Mold Making - Materials and tools for creating molds including silicone rubber, plaster, and casting materials for reproducing sculptures and decorative elements.

Modeling Frames and Wires - Armatures and support structures for creating stable foundations for sculptures and ensuring proper proportions.

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