What tools are most appropriate for creating a block print?

A brayer is an essential tool for creating block prints because it is specifically designed for applying ink evenly to the surface of the block. In block printing, artists carve their designs into a material, typically linoleum or wood, and the brayer helps to roll out the ink, ensuring a smooth and consistent application that is crucial for capturing detailed images during the printing process.

While ink is also necessary for block printing, it serves as the medium that is spread on the block rather than a tool used in application. Paint, although it can be used for similar artistic effects, is not specifically tailored for the block printing technique and might not adhere or transfer the way printing ink does. Cutting tools, on the other hand, are important for the initial creation of the block design but do not play a role in the printing process itself. Thus, the brayer stands out as the most appropriate tool for the task of applying ink to a block for printing.