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Wow! They are quite large clay shapers.... have you tired using the black tipped ones? They are a smaller size and the softer tip so I personally find them easier to control the putty with.
The photo of the clay shapers is a magnified photo of the tools taken from an online retailer's website, so the shapers aren't really that large. I do, however, use the 'Size 0' shapers and they work just fine. I also have a set of the black tipped shapers with the softer tips, but I prefer shapers pictured in the photo. Perhaps I'll give the black tipped shapers another try.
I have and use multiple sets of shapers: black (extra firm) in both 0 and 2, plus grey and white (firm and soft) in 2. I tend to start out with the size 2 to do gross shaping, switch to the 0s to refine details, and then go back with the white size 2 to smooth out the surfaces. Finally, as the putty starts to really cure, back to the black, mostly size 0, to do the last bits of polishing and blending. I probably use my greys least, except for the #2 flat chisel, which I tend to use to shape rounded surfaces like muscles, especially early on in the process. Black #0s tend to get the most use overall, especially round cup, flat chisel, and taper. #2 Cup Round is the most used white. I use the angel chisel in all 4 sets rarely, mostly for edging of things like armor or other mechanical bits, and I have yet to figure out where the cup chisel would be useful (maybe if I worked in actual clay instead of epoxy putties?).
Great headswap!! Do you know how big is the Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub model compared to that of say Perry Miniatures (or say metal Gripping Beast)? I was thinking of buying one myself but was put off by the apparent inconsistent size of the Fireforge models. I assume height was the reason why you filed down the hooves?
I’ve ordered Perry Miniatures’ Bedouin cavalry. When they arrive, I’ll post some size comparison photos.
Is there one place where you can order the above sizes and plasticity of the above shapers? I've found loads on the net but they are available from different dealers who often don't mention the plasticity (hardness/softness) or sometimes even the size?