Speedball Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit – Includes Ink, Brayer, Lino Handle and Cutters, Speedy-Carve

I bought this kit over some no name ones because I figured the quality would likely be better, but now that Ive used it Im not sure that is true. As others have observed, it came in an unpadded envelope, meaning the contents were completely squashed by the time it arrived at my house. It is a miracle the ink didnt burst open, but I got lucky. I was also lucky in that, unlike some other reviewers experiences, my set was complete. I have not used the brayer, and realized that I probably wont (Im instead painting my linoleum cuts with acrylic paint). So, I cant speak to the quality of that. If you do buy this kit in spite of my review, at least do yourself a favor and buy extra blocks at the same time -- it only comes with 1 (although it can be flipped over to use both sides). If the Speedball name is supposed to imply the cutting tools are easily swapped out on the handle, its a serious misnomer. For the first few hours of use it was a struggle every single time to screw/unscrew/pry/jiggle/shake/twist/swear profusely and try to find the sweet spot to get the blades in and out, until it finally froze up completely and the blade that was in there appears to be permanently stuck. Despite all the drawbacks Im not completely sorry I bought this kit, because I wasnt sure I would use an expensive set of tools enough to justify the investment. However, after struggling with this for a few days, but still enjoying the creative process, Ive decided it makes sense to upgrade to an intermediate level set where at least every blade comes permanently attached to its own handle.

I bought it to try out the hobby and its pretty good for a starter kit, but since its speedball Brand its pretty expensive for the kit, but definitely a good cuality in all the 3 products you receive with this kit.

The product was just as described. It was delivered in a timely manner. I’m sure to use this vendor again.

This package contains everything but the paper! It comes with three carving nibs and handle, roller, ink and carving block. Its very soft and easy to cut, only gripe is that my tool tips were dull or uneven. They might have been sharpened wrong in factory idk. Made it work cuz the block is really really soft - but you should snag a seperate pack of nibs or a whetstone to sharpen the ones it comes with if you intend to use them over and over.

The block itself was soft, I think other reviews complaining it was too hard may have not stored it properly? I found it easy to carve into and definitely a great start for beginners. The only thing I would recommend is buying a tray to roll out the ink into as it does not come with one.

This kit is good for an introduction into block printing. The only thing that I will say is that the rolling tray, to roll the ink smoothly onto the brayer, in my kit was a little snug. I could use it but I had to be a little too careful about it. I would still definitely suggest buying this if you want to get your feet wet with block prints but I would also just suggest getting something nonporous (glass, plexi-glass, or smooth Styrofoam; I actually used one of those plain square dry erase boards, and it wasnt too messy to clean up) that doesnt have sides to roll the ink on. In my opinion its just easier if you dont have to worry about walls.