KSMITH
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2025
This would be a great starter set for someone who wants to start blockprinting. I do already have some of the tools so this is an add-on to those. I am glad because the cutters do not exactly match the speedball cutters. The set does not contain a very tiny cutter which is crucial to creating fine designs. That being said, I am very pleased with the rest of the tools and carving block assortment. I am happy to have it!
MPH
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025
First off, the good.The soft rubber plates are very easy to carve, and hold crisp detail. I personally think they're too soft, and would prefer a harder more linoleum like density, though.The blade handle is fine, just like a Speedball, but pink. It has storage in the handle for extra blades, too. The brayers are hard rubber (almost plastic-like), so again, this is a personal preference and use case thing.But then there's the bad:The blades are terrible. Not very sharp, and while you get 6, 5 are essentially identical. Luckily, the pink rubber plates are very soft and easy to carve...But they gouge more than they slice.The brayers don't have rests/stands, so they're hard to store and use. You don't want to store them with the roller on a surface, as it can permanently dent the rubber, creating a flat spot. Most have little ridges or feet so the wet brayer doesn't have to sit on your work table directly, too.The box it all came in isn't large enough for the largest rubber stamp plate they give you (see photos). It's permanently bent and can't really be used for printing without being cut down.This kit doesn't give you any ink/paint, a baren, or printing paper, nor does it give you any instructions.I struggle to see who this kit is for. It's not for beginners, as it isn't complete and has no instructions. It's not for people who are already into printmaking, because the components aren't high quality enough.You're better off buying one of the Speedball kits (which do cost more) or buying some of this stuff piecemeal, IMO.