Built to feel as good in the hand as it looks on the bench, our Carving Mallet takes the same combination of Leadwood and Olivewood that we use across our other mallets, but puts it into a smaller, more compact form designed specifically for controlled chisel work.
The Leadwood head was chosen for its strength, density and rich colour, while the Olivewood handle brings its own density along with the kind of grain patterns that make every single mallet look different. It also happens to contrast beautifully with the much darker Leadwood.
Hidden through the centre of the mallet is a substantial 16mm diameter stainless steel rod. This strengthens the connection between the Leadwood head and Olivewood handle while also adding extra mass to the tool.
At approximately 550g, the result is a compact mallet with a reassuring amount of weight behind each swing, allowing it to deliver controlled, confident strikes when working with chisels.
Its 185mm overall length keeps it comfortable and manoeuvrable for joinery work such as cutting dovetails, while the 68mm diameter Leadwood head provides a substantial striking surface.
The mallet is designed primarily for use with wooden-handled chisels. Plastic and composite handles are also suitable, although harder composite materials may leave small dents in the Leadwood face over time. This is cosmetic and should not affect the structural integrity of the mallet.
Metal-ended chisels should not be used with this mallet.
The Carving Mallet is intended for general chisel and joinery work and is not recommended for mortising.
Made in the UK
Each Carving Mallet is turned and assembled by our small team in the UK.
Sanding and finishing may take place either in our main workshop or in one of our team members’ own workshops, but every mallet returns to our workshop for final quality control, installation of its brass emblem coin and packaging.
The mallet is finished with two coats of Osmo Satin before being capped with one of our signature 25mm brass Emblem Coins.
The exact mallet you see is the one you receive
No two pieces of timber are identical, particularly when it comes to the distinctive grain of Olivewood.
Rather than using a single set of generic product photographs, we photograph and create a 360° video of every individual mallet available on the store.
The mallet shown in the photographs and video on the product page is therefore the exact mallet you will receive.
Built to be used
As with any hand tool, your mallet will gradually develop signs of use over time.
Leadwood is an exceptionally dense timber and is very resistant to denting during normal use. Combined with the 16mm diameter stainless steel rod running through the centre of the tool, the mallet has an extremely robust construction designed to provide many years of use.
We do not recommend striking metal objects with the mallet, as this may damage the Leadwood head.
Presented properly
Each mallet arrives in its own custom-designed black presentation box, shaped to hold it snugly and securely during transit.
It is one of those boxes that feels far too nice to throw away, making the Carving Mallet particularly well suited as a gift for a woodworker without requiring any additional presentation.
Specifications
- Weight: Approx. 550g
- Overall length: Approx. 185mm
- Head diameter: Approx. 68mm
- Head length: Approx. 75mm
- Handle length: Approx. 102mm
- Head: Leadwood
- Handle: Olivewood
- Internal rod: 16mm Stainless Steel
- Emblem coin: Brass, 25mm diameter
- Finish: Two coats of Osmo Satin
- Made in: UK
As each mallet is individually made and finished, dimensions and weight may vary slightly.
Care
Timber is a natural material and will continue to respond to its environment throughout the life of the tool.
We recommend keeping the mallet out of prolonged direct sunlight and avoiding environments with significant changes in temperature or humidity.
Small surface splits can occasionally develop in the Leadwood as it naturally moves with changes in humidity. This does not affect the structural integrity of the mallet and, should it occur, can usually be repaired easily using thick super glue before sanding and refinishing the affected area.
Every mallet includes a care note explaining how to look after it, along with access to a tutorial video demonstrating the repair process and any other maintenance that may be required in the future.
The 25mm brass Emblem Coin fitted to the mallet is also available separately for use in your own projects.
