What to look for in a tool supplier.
First, does the company stand behind their product?
Does the tool company have a good reputation with carvers?
Do other carvers own the same tools that you are interested in?
What to look for in a quality tool.
Quality tools will usually tell you where they were made and who made them.
They will carry a money-back guarantee should you be dissatisfied.
The tools will be clean looking, not rough and unfinished.
The tool shanks will not be overly thick.
Other carvers will own them and be satisfied with them.