ORIGINAL: smithcreek
If it were me I'd get in order of usefulness #6, #4 and maybe a #2. The smaller you get the closer you get to an exacto. Most people think of a chisel and smacking it with a hammer, but that's not what they are used for the majority of the time. There are lots of different kinds of chisels, if I could only have one chisel for this hobby it would be a 1" paring (patternmakers) chisel. It has a very long thin blade and is used for carving, almost like a plane but without the body and cutting end grain.
Your advice did'nt go unheard.
Now I understand the utility of a paring chisel.
Very nice and clean job on your plane. I suppose it is easier to carve a balsa block than a string instrument.
Another (last) question: do you think a strop is useful ? Do you use one yourself ?