Description

So many Mudtools! Where does a new potter begin? Responding to questions from beginning potters about the best tools for getting started, the “clay heads” at Mudtools responded with the Mudtools Essentials Clay Tool Starter Kit, a basic collection of nine indispensable tools. It includes three polymer ribs, a Mudshark, a Mudwire, a long scraper rib, a small shredder, a Do•All trim tool, and a Mudsponge.

Available in varying degrees of flexibility, Mudtools Polymer Ribs are made from unique proprietary materials that are engineered to perform and last. Shape 1 (Red) is the most-recognized shape, the kidney, ideal for sculpting, hand-building, and throwing. Shape 2 (Yellow) is a workhorse for throwing, smoothing, and compressing. Finally, with two flat surfaces and three radiuses, Shape 4 (Green) gives a beautiful line on the clay.

The Mudshark combines the two tools most commonly used when throwing pots: a needle tool to trim the rim at the top and a fettling knife to cut away the waste at the base.

The Standard Mudwire has handles made from a durable polymer and shaped for a comfortable grip without having to wrap the wire around your fingers. Stronger than nylon fishing line, the high-grade stainless steel braided cable resists kinks better than common cable or solid wire. This cut-off wire measures approximately 15″ long and makes clean cuts on a standard 13″ wheelhead.

The Long Scraper Rib has a smooth edge for throwing, and a toothy edge (12 teeth) for scoring, scraping, and planing the clay — a good tool for sculpting and hand-building.

The Shredder is a rasp-like tool that measures 2-3/4″ wide x 2″ tall and can be used for shaping and carving leather hard clay. It has an ergonomic, clog-proof handle, and leaves a handsome textured surface in the clay.

Based upon the design of the Japanese kanna trim tool, the Do•All Trim Tool has a precise spade cutting edge for working the details around the foot of tea bowls, bowls, and plates, plus a curl that has both a broad surface for smoothing and a tight shape for detail trimming.

The Blue Workhorse Mudsponge is a great all-purpose pop-up sponge made of a durable, environmentally friendly open cell material that is very absorbent. Shaped like a potter’s rib, it fits comfortably in the palm of the hand.