I have a lot of Robert Sorby tools. I find them to be a good balance of price and quality. If I could afford a whole set of Thompsons, I'd get them. I started off with a set from Harbor Freight (which I don't recommend). I still use the 1/2" and 1" skew from that set, but overall not worth it (and those skews are in line to be replaced).
The tool I reach for most often are my Sorby 1/2" bowl gouge and a skew. But I'm primarily doing bowl turning and pens. The others I use infrequently depending what I'm doing are a 3/4" Woodriver Spindle Roughing Gouge, Woodriver 3/8 bowl gouge, Woodriver 3/8 spindle gouge, Sorby 1-1/4" Oval Skew, Sorby 3/4" bowl scraper. I have a few Sorby specialty tools too: spiraling/texturing system, captive ring,
If I were to categorize into good/better/best:
- Good
- Better
- Best
- Avoid
- Harbor Freight & other bargain brands. Though some are better than others. You'll definitely notice a difference when stepping up in quality.
For carbides, I recommend getting them from ncwoodturningtools.com. He's a NCWW member, and his prices are very good. EasyWoodTools and the like you're paying for the name. I have his 1/2" rougher on a square bar, 1/2" Finisher on a round bar (if I were to buy again, I'd get the square bar finisher though), and the 3/8" Detailer on square bar.
Also keep in mind that you can have the best tools, they are only good while they're sharp. Better tools keep their edge longer, but it's wise to invest in a good sharpening system (or get really good freehand). I have the Wolverine jig with 2 CBN wheels, and it is quick to touch up my tools. When it's quick and easy, you'll do it more often, and the more often you sharpen, the better they'll perform.
As far as handles go, I have a 22" and 12" Sobry Sovereign handle. I picked up the 22" handle on clearance from Woodcraft years ago, and it has been excellent. I also got the optional weight that you can put in the end of the handle, and I find that I like the heft of it. I usually have my 1/2"
bowl gouge in it. The 12" Sovereign I tend to put my carbide tools in. It also has a tang collet insert, and I have a 1/2" oval skew and 3/4" bowl scraper that I'll put in it. At some point I'll probably just turn some dedicated handles for my rougher and finisher carbides. I already turned a handle for my carbide detailer tool.
Handles are going to be a feel and fit for most. The Sovereign handle is straight and round (bad for rolling). The Carter handles look comfortable. Thompson handles solve the rolling problem with a hexagonal shape, though I'm not sure how they would feel in the hand.