Quote

Despite my low P-count I've done a lot of carving and I'm not really head over heals over the U and V shaped blades. In fact, when use them on a stamp I usually have to revert to an xacto knife for details. Is there a technique or something?

Hey Now, A Son of Liberty!

IMHO, pro's for the U and \_/ shaped blades is that I can remove large or wide (relatively) "blank" or "white" areas from inside or around the edges of a stamp's details; they are NOT for details. I prefer the #1 V-shaped blade for most lines and "finer" details, and while an exacto is not my go-to or preferred carving tool, it is an essential part of my toolbox. I'm still working out which I prefer for carving parallel lines, exacto or V-blade. LOL, I carved my sig. stamp with a pocket knife...yep, it's pretty simple. ;) FWIW, I currently carve with a Speedball handle and set of blades.

However, by varying the pressure and angle -- depth, left Vs. right "cant" (angle/twist) -- applied to the tool/blade, one can achieve different carve details. Think in terms of a paintbrush: different pressures, angles and other ways of manipulating the brush (read: tool/blade) yield different results, which are often replicable! It just adds "depth" to the tool chest. Try the different blades on scrap/leftover carving media, and staedler white vinyl or the Pink Pearl erasers (they're cheap at "Bulls-eye", "Dollar-nightmares", "Wally-world", and other discount/chain purveyors of trinkets and snake-oils. :p Then practise carving with the blades using varying pressures, depths, and angles. Note what affects/effects you like or dislike about the results those variables produce in the various carving media. You've, doubtless, discovered this to some degree with your exacto experience.

A little practise with something different may make a world of difference. And do experiment with your trusty exacto, side-by-side with the other blades. Then carve with whatever blade or combo of tools with which you are most comfortable and satisfied (and scrap or give away the rest). It really just comes down to personal preference. Forget what I or anyone else uses for that matter, and use the tool(s) with which you are most proficient and comfortable.

Stand on your right foot and spin to the right while sprinkling salt over your left shoulder...Your milage may vary,
Connfederate