Pumpkin Carving Tools

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For a pumpkin with panache -- or a big, toothy grin -- reach for the right tools and wield them wisely.

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Essential Tools

Once you've found a smooth, symmetrical pumpkin, it becomes all about the tools. Look beyond the knife drawer to implements intended for other uses -- say, a melon baller or a keyhole saw. The following items will make quick work of the task at hand.
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Linoleum Cutter

This item is used to carve detail into the surface of a pumpkin with great accuracy.

We recommend: Lino Set No. 1 (#40203-1009), $8.23, by Speedball, from dickblick.com
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Flower Pattern Created Using a Linoleum Cutter
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Hole Cutters

Used by potters to create holes in clay, these short metal pipes with a sharp end and a capped one will work well on pumpkins, too.

We recommend: Hole cutters in assorted sizes, ($2.79-$3.19), by Kemper, from Blick Art Materials
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Holes of Varying Sizes Created Using Hole Cutters
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Pumpkin Carving Basics

An amazing jack-o-lantern starts with a great pumpkin -- and the right carving tools. Learn our best insider tips and tricks for choosing and using tools that will make for a truly magical display.

Watch our Tips and Tricks for Carving a Pumpkin
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Miniature Saws

The thin, sturdy blades on these saws are perfect for carving irregular shapes.

We recommend: Keyhole saw blade, X-Acto #15 (LXKY31), $7.79 for 5 blades, and X-Acto Knife #2 (LXKY73), $4.49, from Tower Hobbies
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Slanted Eyes Created Using a Miniature Saw
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Wood Gouges

Create strips in the shell of the pumpkin using these carpentry items.

We recommend: Wood gouges from $15, from Quality Carving Supplies
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Strip Shapes
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Keyhole Saw

The sharp teeth on this saw can slice through a pumpkin's tough shell, and its flexible blade allows for curved cuts.
We recommend: Keyhole saw (247261), $5.47, from Lowes
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Pumpkin Lid

Cut the top off a pumpkin using a keyhole saw.
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Power Drill

This tool makes it fast and easy to create small holes for accents or allover patterns. (Use according to manufacturer's instructions.)
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Small Holes Created by a Power Drill
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Awl, Needle Tool, and Pin

These are good for transferring designs from paper to a pumpkin.
We recommend: Needle tool (PNH), $1.04, by Kemper from Ceramic Supply Inc.
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Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Monogram Design

This monogram was created by taping a template to the shell, and tracing it by poking holes.
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Cookie Cutters

These common baking tools can make uncommon designs.
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Star Shapes Created Using Cookie Cutters

Tap a cookie cutter with a rubber mallet to penetrate the shell.
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Scrapers

Sculpting tools, such as the large plaster scraper and smaller fleshing tool, remove pulp and thin a pumpkin's walls.
We recommend: Fleshing tool (#FT453), $3.21, from Ceramic Supply Inc.
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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A Clean Pumpkin
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Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Melon Baller

Carve spherical chunks out of the shell of a pumpkin.
Photography: Maura McEvoy

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Spherical Shapes

These depressions will glow when light shines through them.

Now, learn how to carve a pumpkin.

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How to Carve a Pumpkin

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