Name: Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit
Brand: Mudtools

So many Mudtools! Where does a new potter begin? Responding to questions from beginning potters about the best tools for getting started, the "clay heads" at Mudtools responded with the Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit, a basic collection of nine indispensable tools. It includes three polymer ribs, a Mudshark, a Mudwire, a long scraper rib, a small shredder, a Do•All trim tool, and a Mudsponge. 


Available in varying degrees of flexibility, Mudtools Polymer Ribs are made from unique proprietary materials that are engineered to perform and last. Shape 1 (Red) is the most-recognized shape, the kidney, ideal for sculpting, hand-building, and throwing. Shape 2 (Yellow) is a workhorse for throwing, smoothing, and compressing. Finally, with two flat surfaces and three radiuses, Shape 4 (Green) gives a beautiful line on the clay.


The Mudshark combines the two tools most commonly used when throwing pots: a needle tool to trim the rim at the top and a fettling knife to cut away the waste at the base. 


The Standard Mudwire has handles made from a durable polymer and shaped for a comfortable grip without having to wrap the wire around your fingers. Stronger than nylon fishing line, the high-grade stainless steel braided cable resists kinks better than common cable or solid wire. This cut-off wire measures approximately 15" long and makes clean cuts on a standard 13" wheelhead. 


The Long Scraper Rib has a smooth edge for throwing, and a toothy edge (12 teeth) for scoring, scraping, and planing the clay — a good tool for sculpting and hand-building.


The Shredder is a rasp-like tool that measures 2-3/4" wide x 2" tall and can be used for shaping and carving leather hard clay. It has an ergonomic, clog-proof handle, and leaves a handsome textured surface in the clay.


Based upon the design of the Japanese kanna trim tool, the Do•All Trim Tool has a precise spade cutting edge for working the details around the foot of tea bowls, bowls, and plates, plus a curl that has both a broad surface for smoothing and a tight shape for detail trimming.


The Blue Workhorse Mudsponge is a great all-purpose pop-up sponge made of a durable, environmentally friendly open cell material that is very absorbent. Shaped like a potter's rib, it fits comfortably in the palm of the hand.




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Mudtools Mudsponge - Top view of Blue Workhorse, a general purpose sponge

Natural sponges have been used by potters for years; however, the quality of these sponges can be unpredictable. Available in three varieties, the Mudtools Mudsponge is made of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials that are incredibly durable. Compressed for economy of space, they are great all-purpose pop-up tools for use in ceramics studios, classrooms, and other creative spaces. Mudtools Mudsponges are shaped like a kidney-shaped potter's rib to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. They measure 3-3/4"L x 2-1/4"W x 3/4"D.

The Mudtools Mudsponge is made of biodegradable, environmentally friendly, durable materials. Great all-purpose tools for use in ceramics studios, classrooms, and other creative spaces, they come in three varieties for different purposes. 3-3/4"L x 2-1/4"W x 3/4"D.

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Mudtools Polymer Ribs are made from unique, proprietary, flexible materials that are engineered to perform well and last for a long time. They resist cracking, and also resist the formation of burrs. 


Mudtools Polymer Ribs are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and degrees of flexibility.


__Shape 0__ — The smallest Mudtools polymer rib and a best seller. The Shape 0 Rib has a traditional kidney shape that is the most universally recognized clay tool. This little rib can get into tight places and is good for detail work. The Red Very Soft rib is excellent for finishing rims. Measures 1.38" x 2-3/4".


__Shape 1__ — Mudtools’ best-selling polymer rib. Not too big and not too small, the Shape 1 Rib is just the right size, with a traditional kidney shape that is the most universally recognized pottery tool. It fits well in the hand and is useful for sculpting, hand-building, and throwing clay. Measures 1-3/4” x 3-1/2”. 


__Shape 2__ — The Shape 2 Polymer Rib is the firstborn in the Mudtools family. It is a remake of ceramicist and Mudtools founder Michael Sherrill’s favorite rib and a workhorse for throwing, smoothing, and compressing. Measures 2-1/2” x 3-3/4”.


__Shape 3__ — The Shape 3 Polymer Rib rib is 5" wide and gives a good sweep across the clay — a good rib for throwing larger objects. Mudtools founder Michael Sherrill uses the Mudtools Green Medium or Blue Firm ribs when he wants a stiffer rib that bites into the clay. Measures 2” x 5”.


__Shape 4__ — Sometimes you need to make a point! The corner on the Mudtools Polymer Shape 4 rib gives a beautiful line on the clay. It also features two flat surfaces and three radiuses. Mudtools founder Michael Sherrill wants this one in his toolbox if he’s stranded on a desert island. Measures 2” x 4-1/4”. 


__Shape 5__ — The Mudtools Shape 5 Polymer Rib has the same traditional kidney shape as Shapes 0 and 1, only larger. It offers more surface coverage, making it great for smoothing a slab of clay. Measures 2” x 4.13”.

Mudtools Polymer Ribs are made from unique, proprietary, flexible materials that are engineered to perform well and last for a long time. They resist cracking, and also resist the formation of burrs. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and degrees of flexibility for all types of work with clay.

Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit includes three polymer ribs, a Mudshark, a Mudwire, a long scraper rib, a small shredder, a Do•All trim tool, and a Mudsponge.

Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit | BLICK Art Materials

Responding to requests from beginning potters about the best tools for getting started, Mudtools responded with the nine-piece Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit. It includes three polymer ribs, a Mudshark, a Mudwire, a long scraper rib, a small shredder, a Do•All trim tool, and a Mudsponge.

Shop Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit at Blick. Find everything you need for your next creative project online.

Mudtools Essentials Starter Kit

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