[Woodcarver] Newbie question on tools

[RMAgency]

Hello all.

I'm a newbie to this list & since you sound like a friendly bunch, I'm 
stepping out of the shadows with a question. I'm sure it's one you've heard 
before, but I don't know the answer.

I'm just starting to get started. My interest is in relief carving. I'd like 
to buy a set of basic tools (chisels, gouges, v-tool) that doesn't cost a 
fortune but it good enough not to mess me up.

I bought a set in the bargain bin at the local hardware store that turned out 
to be of such poor quality that they wouldn't hold an edge and dug ragged 
pits in the wood. The only thing they'd do for a beginner is discourage her 
from beginning! Then I look on the internet and I see so many choices I don't 
know how to judge what's good and what's not.

I'm thinking $30-$40 is a reasonable price for a first set of tools.

Would anybody here recommend a brand or a supplier? (An internet supplier 
would be good because I'm not close to any stores where I might be able to 
buy decent specialty tools.)

Thank you for your help!
Emily
RMAgency at bigfoot.com