Pfeil
Pfeil: Swiss Craftsmanship Since 1902
Founded in 1902 in Langenthal, Switzerland, Pfeil has evolved from a one-man operation into a trusted name in the world of high quality cutting tools.
Originally focused on professional cutting tools and surgical instruments, the company quickly garnered a reputation for precision and durability. By 1942, Pfeil expanded into carving tools, capturing the interest of professional carvers, enthusiasts, and educational institutions both in Switzerland and internationally. For printmaking, these tools remain among the finest available.
At Pfeil, sustainability is as essential as quality. Pfeil are committed to responsible resource use, incorporating advanced water treatment and recycling systems to minimise environmental impact. Their production methods maximise energy efficiency, even repurposing wood waste to generate heat, allowing them to uphold stringent standards of ecology and sustainability.
Combining state-of-the-art technology with traditional techniques, Pfeil’s tools are crafted to meet the demands of woodcarvers, printmakers, instrument makers, and precision woodworkers. Their extensive range includes hundreds of specialised products, from wood carving and lino cutting tools to leatherworking instruments, ensuring every craftsman finds the right tool for their artistry.
Today, Pfeil continues to remain a family-run enterprise, supporting the passion of artists and artisans around the world with tools of unmatched quality and reliability.
‘I have all sorts of gouges in my collection, but the only ones I use when working seriously on a nice newly prepped bit of real lino block are my favourite set of five Pfeil gouges (plus the occasional use of a standard small craft knife or scalpel).
Each tool is made from easily resharpened chrome vanadium steel, and the mushroom-shaped palm handles (for me – by far the most comfortable and manoeuvrable type) are made of hardwood.’
- Printmaker Colin Blanchard,‘Five Recommended Pfeil Tools for Linocut’, Jackson’s Art Blog.