A quickie comparison: Pfeil and Dockyard

So, a fellow carver asked me to compare the Pfeil 1.0mm v-tool with the Dockyard 1.5mm v-tool. I am only happy to oblige - great question!

First the pics:

Pfeil on the left, Dockyard on the right

you can see the difference in steel finishing;
the steel on the Pfeil is definitely thicker and polished

the Dockyard is 1.5mm, so is wider at the spread,
more so than the Pfeil, which is 1.0mm

Now the carves:

PZ Kut (B)

Analysis: 

In just straight line cuts, I can get a very fine line with the Dockyard, almost more than the Pfeil. Since the mm-measure is that of spread of the tool, it was the cutting edge that really mattered (the base of the 'v'). 

But, while I got a finer straight line with the Dockyard initially, the Pfeil maneuvers easier and smoother. Example - the inner circle cut was the Dockyard and the outer circle was with the Pfeil. I held the tool steady while turning the material for both circles.

The squiggles - definitely finer results with the Pfeil than the Dockyard. The finer squiggle (you can see the shaving laying on top of the material) was done with the Pfeil tool. The larger/thicker squiggle was done with the Dockyard.

The curves - the thick was with the Dockyard, the thinner '9' was with the Pfeil. Then I tried to duplicate the '9' with the Dockyard (the upper-most '9', and the other small curve in the right corner) - excellent. The small shape floating above the upper-most '9' was done with the Pfeil in one sweep, moving the material. Impressive.

While both are held overhand (with the index finger on resting and adjusting pressure on top of the steel part of the tool), the Pfeil is held at a bit more angle than the Dockyard. When comparing the straight fine lines, the Dockyard cut a very fine line; then I tried the Pfeil which kind of shmooshed along the surface. That is when I discovered the difference in angle. When adjusted, the Pfeil carved just as straight and thin as the Dockyard. 

But, let's face it - how often are you required to carve a very fine straight line at random? For me, the challenge comes when getting in close to your image outlines that often curve in awkward ways, carving out the insides of letters, cutting a tight corner, and other fine details like eyes or lips. That is when smoothness and nimble-ness count. I would say the Pfeil is more 'nimble' in this regard.

The bottom line:

They are both fantastic tools. I found the Pfeil to be more smooth and less 'jumpy' than the Dockyard - this is probably due to the thickness of the steel and the polish. The Dockyard is wider at the tip, which could be more challenging than the thinner Pfeil (check out the first tool photo to see if you can see a difference). The angle that the carver must hold the Pfeil may require a bit of carver adjustment. 

I would recommend both as strong contenders for top-notch tool. Ultimately, it is carver's preference and their carving style that may determine which is the better tool for them.

And remember: this is only my opinion. Your carving style may do better with one tool over another. The only way to know is to give them a try. :)