Bevel side up.
I purchased a single bevel palm chisel and from the way the handle fits in my hand I will be carving with the beveled surface against the wood. I have always carved with the beveled side up. Is there any difference?
Answer
There is quite a difference. You will find that the angle of attack ( the angle at which the edge begins to cut in relationship to the surface of the wood) is much lower with bevel side up. This sometimes makes it difficult for your fingers not to scrape across the surface of the wood. Also, it can be difficult to exit the cut without prying with tool, especially on a flat carving surface. Traditional, flat carving chisels are beveled equally on both side, giving the same angle of attack no matter how you use it. We’ve believe a single bevel to be a more versatile tool. Even though it may be a little more uncomfortable carving bevel side up, it still allows for two angles of attack and the higher AOA (bevel side down) will allow carving in more recessed area and still exit the cut with ease.