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these tools:

• Clay Shredders
• Do-All Trimmer Tool
• Large Boomer Ribs
• Mud Sponges
• Standard Mud Ribs
• Steel Boomer Rib

• Steel Fluting Tool
• Steel Ribs
• Steel Scrapers
• The Bump
• Wire Clay Cutters

A flexible plastic bowl shaping rib similar in style and use to traditional Japanese gyobera tools. Measures 10-1/4" long by 2-1/4" wide.

Nope, sorry, the Steel Boomer is not a superhero -- but you might think it is when you're working the inside surfaces of bowls! A variety of smooth curves make this rib very flexible for working on shallow or deep bowls
(3" h x 4.75" w)

Sherrill Mud Tools, invented by Michael Sherrill of North Carolina, are made from a material known in the industry as "the stainless steel of plastics" because of its wearing qualities. Unlike rubber, this material will not develop burrs. These ribs actually burnish themselves as you use them. The different stiffnesses and shapes allow you to find one that fits your working style. Use the grid below to determine which item number to order, and click to add them to your cart.

All standard Mud Ribs are $7.00 each

Mike Sherrill officially calls it a "small bowl rib", but we like "boomerang rib" better ... and we've nicknamed it the Boomerib. No matter what you call it, this is a great rib for working the inside surfaces of small to medium sized bowls. You can use different parts of the curve for bowls of varying width and depth. 2.75" h x 4.63" w

The same shape as the original first boomerang ribs but larger, great for when you're working on those really large projects. They're not just for bowls: try them for other large forms too. Only available in Firm (green) and Soft (yellow) so far. 3.88" h x 6.38" w.

The same "plastic Cadillac" material that has made Mud Ribs so popular, now in a large size with a gradual curve for plates and platters. Both come in green and both are firm.

The "Bump"

The "Baby Bump"

The Bump (BAT)is made with a solid aluminum shaft that is bendable but not flexible. The sponge end becomes like chamois when wet, and has a hard ball under that surface. The Baby Bump (BAT2) allows you to "bump out" or alter the clay when working in a hollow form or cylinder. Smaller than the Bump, it is designed to extend your reach up to 13 inches. It gives you leverage to move clay or heal seams where your hand can’t reach. The aluminum rod is like the Bump and is bendable but not flexible. The idea is to put a bend or curve in it and leave it. The bump end is a dense sponge material with a hard center. This is a contouring tool, not a mopping tool.

Shaped like traditional kidney ribs, these synthetic sponges are the best, toughest and most consistent sponges available. The blue sponge has proven its toughness many times in our classroom studio. The orange sponge has that same toughness but with a super-SMOOOOTH surface for working around lips and edges. You really have to feel for yourself just how smooth this sponge is.

NS8 • $8.00
Blue Mud Sponge (coarse)

NS9 • $9.00
White Mud Sponge (smooth)

NS10 • $8.00
Orange Mud Sponge (medium)

HW7 • $11.00
Mudshark
The Mudshark is a combined needle probe, cutoff needle, and trimming or cutting tool. Needle folds back
into the body of the tool.

Since his first visit to Japan in the 80’s Michael fell in love with the simplicity of the Japanese style kanna trim tool. Subsequently, he spent years after altering and remaking his own trimming tools to better suit suit his various needs. The sharpened more familiar kana spade shape provides an excellent precise cutting edge, especially for working the details around the foot of tea bowls, bowls and plates. The curl, provides a combination of all Michael's favorite loop tool shapes: both a broad surface for smoothing and a tight shape for detail trimming.

Finally, fluting tools that actually work! These metal tools have two cutting arcs for two sizes of curve. The cutting arcs are recessed from the body of the tool so the cut clay doesn't get in your way. Click on the images above for a larger view.