Top Pottery Tool Brands Crafting Masterpieces with Ease

Pottery has become a popular craft for both hobbyists and professionals, offering a rewarding blend of creativity and skill. As the demand for quality pottery tools increases, several brands have emerged as leaders in the industry, providing top-notch tools that cater to the diverse needs of potters. These brands are known for their durability, precision, and innovation, ensuring that every creation is a masterpiece. If you're a potter seeking the best tools to enhance your artistry, read on to discover a curated list of the best brands for pottery tools below.

Illustration of pottery tools

Best brands of pottery tools in 2025

Kemper Tools

Kemper Tools, established in 1947, is a highly regarded brand in the ceramics industry, renowned for its high-quality, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing pottery tools. Founded by Jack Kemper, the company boasts a long history of innovation and customer satisfaction, with many potters relying on their tools for decades. Despite facing a potential closure in 2024, a new buyer has ensured the continuation of Kemper Tools' product availability. The brand stands out for its combination of quality, service, and affordable prices in a market where lower-quality tools are often chosen for their cost. Kemper Tools has maintained a loyal customer base, with many artists preferring their tools over others due to their reliability and exceptional performance.

Mudtools

Mudtools, founded by Michael Sherrill, is renowned for producing high-quality, innovative pottery tools that have become indispensable for potters and ceramic artists. These tools, such as the flexible and durable ribs made from a material akin to "stainless steel" of plastics, are designed to enhance the pottery-making process. Mudtools offers a variety of tools, including ribs in six shapes and four degrees of hardness, shredders, and sponges, all of which are crafted to meet the specific needs of hand builders and throwers. The brand's commitment to quality and functionality has made its tools a favorite among artists, ensuring they remain in excellent condition even with extensive use. With a focus on performance, aesthetics, and user comfort, Mudtools has established itself as a leading name in the ceramics industry.

Xiem Tools

Xiem Tools, founded by Kevin Xiem Nguyen in 2003, is a leading brand in the pottery tools industry, renowned for its innovative, high-quality, and competitively priced tools. Xiem offers a diverse range of products, including Art Rollers in over 30 seamless designs, precision-manufactured Carbide Trimming Tools, and the innovative Precision Applicator for ceramic glazing. Their tools are designed to support the ceramic art community, ensuring ease and accuracy in various pottery techniques. Xiem's commitment to quality is evident in their solid stainless steel tools and ergonomic handles, making them a favorite among potters and sculptors. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Xiem Tools continues to inspire creativity in the ceramic arts. For more information, visit their official page on The Ceramic Shop.

Shimpo

Shimpo, now operating as NIDEC-SHIMPO, is a renowned brand in the pottery equipment market, celebrated for its high-quality and performance-driven products such as pottery wheels, pugmills, slab rollers, and accessories. With a history dating back to the 1950s, Shimpo has become synonymous with excellence in the ceramic arts, particularly after incorporating patented mechanical variable speed drives into their early pottery wheels. Following NIDEC's acquisition in the mid-1990s, Shimpo leveraged NIDEC's motor manufacturing capabilities to enhance their products, ensuring they outpace competitors in quality and value. The brand boasts a strong global dealer network of over 150 dealers and is a key player in the pottery equipment market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30% from 2024 to 2031. Shimpo's products are essential for various segments, including industrial pottery, artisanal pottery, and educational institutions. For more detailed information about their offerings, visit their official website.

Dolan Tools

Dolan Tools is renowned as one of the best producers of pottery tools, known for their exceptional quality and durability. Made from high carbon knife steel, these tools are razor-sharp, hold their edge longer, and can be easily re-sharpened using methods like oil or water whetstones, diamond files, or by returning them to Dolan Tools for sharpening. The tools are meticulously handmade and coupled with fine lathe-turned hardwood handles, making them ideal for ceramic artists. With over 20 years of reputation for dependability and durability, Dolan Tools have become a staple in the ceramics community. Despite being a small family company, their tools sell out quickly due to their exquisite quality. You can explore their exquisite product range on the Sheffield Pottery collection.

Michael Sherrill Mudtools

Michael Sherrill's Mudtools is renowned for producing high-quality ceramic tools, particularly its versatile and durable ribs available in six shapes and four hardness levels, from very soft to very firm. These tools, made from a self-polishing material, are indispensable for both hand builders and throwers, offering high performance and aesthetic appeal. Founded out of the necessity for better tools during Sherrill's own pottery career, Mudtools has become a staple in the ceramic arts community. The brand's commitment to functionality and durability makes its products essential for achieving well-surfaced and consistent pots. With a wide range of tools including ribs, sponges, and carving tools, Mudtools caters to the diverse needs of sculptors and potters.

Giffin Grip

The Giffin Grip is a renowned brand in the pottery industry, known for its innovative and durable tools that significantly enhance the pottery trimming process. Invented by Brian Giffin in the late 1970s, the Giffin Grip cuts trimming time by half and allows for precise and consistent results. It is compatible with most potter's wheels, including Shimpo, Brent, Speedball, and Skutt, and can be adapted to wheelheads from 6" to 14" in diameter. The tool's spiral bottom plate and sliders ensure pots are centered perfectly, making it an essential tool for potters. With a "no questions asked" warranty, the Giffin Grip has been a trusted choice for over 40 years. For more information, visit the Giffin Grip story.

Dirty Girl Pottery Tools

Dirty Girls Pottery Tools is a renowned brand in the pottery industry, known for its high-quality, durable, and ergonomically designed tools. These tools are crafted in partnership with a local machine shop, ensuring they are made from quality components to last in any studio environment. The brand stands out for its simple yet effective design, avoiding trendy or gimmicky products. Designed by a woman with a passion for clay and smart tools, Dirty Girls Pottery Tools offer a range of premium trimming tools, such as the Groovy Trimming Tools by Kymudworks, which feature hardened and tempered tool steel blades. This attention to detail and commitment to quality make Dirty Girls Pottery Tools a favorite among potters.

Banding Badger

Banding wheels from reputable brands like Shimpo and Brent, often confused with a non-existent "Banding Badger" brand, are highly regarded for their durability and precision in pottery decoration. These wheels, available in various diameters such as 12" and 14", feature solid cast-iron construction, sealed ball bearings for smooth rotation, and a rust-resistant paint coating, ensuring long-lasting performance. They are ideal for decorating, sculpting, and carving, and are favored by studio artists, production potters, and classrooms alike. The Shimpo banding wheels, in particular, are known for their concentric rings and heavy base, preventing tipping and ensuring stability. With a one-year warranty, these tools offer reliability and peace of mind. For more details, visit The Ceramic Shop's banding wheels section.

Amaco

AMACO, or American Art Clay Company, is renowned as one of the best producers of pottery tools, offering a wide range of high-quality products that cater to both beginners and professionals. The company's consistent growth is attributed to its established market presence and dedication to quality, with a global distribution network that has helped it expand its market share. In the U.S. pottery ceramics market, AMACO is a key player, with the market expected to grow from USD 2,285.1 million in 2021 to USD 3,258.5 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4%. AMACO's product lineup includes essential tools such as wood potter's ribs, synthetic sponges, loop tools, and wire clay cutters, making it a go-to brand for pottery enthusiasts.