For beginning wood carvers, is it better to buy small tools or larger ones?

Question

I will try to carve birds and waterfowl. Kits come in both sizes but am not sure which is more useful.

Answer 1

You might start with the least expensive one. That way if it isn't your thing, you won't be out a lot of $$$.

On the other hand, the carving knives, buy the best one you can afford. It will be sharper to start with and last a very long time if this is really a hobby you want to pursue.

BTW: I started with a very cheap pocket knife!!

Answer 2

Someone teaching scouts to carve wood told me he uses the cheapest potato knifes he can get.
Those sold 2 for a €1, or $1.
With that you can see if you like working with wood.
After you have used a simple knife for one or two projects you can better decide what you like.

I think the size of the kit you want to buy should be decided based on what kind of work you do, the scale and the wood you use.
Often these kits are put together for one kind of woodwork and will not be very useful for other kinds of work.

Surf internet, google for something like 'wood carving instructions', see what you like, and see what tools they suggest.