Author Topic: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?  (Read 12964 times)

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Offline arachnid

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which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« on: November 23, 2014, 06:33:58 am »
Hi guys.

Which of the following is better:
This one has a curved blade...
http://m.ebay.com/itm/351226529281?nav=SEARCH

Or this one with a stright blade:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/331375679067?nav=SEARCH

If you know the brands please tell me what you think....
Thanks

Dor

Offline Eric Krewson

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2014, 09:28:59 am »
Flex cut makes great tools but both draw knives you have pictured look a little flimsy to me.

I like a heavy bladed straight drawknife. My favorite is the top one, I use the others in descending order with the small one rarely used. The second one down is a Greenlee, very nice and $20 at a flea market. There is one just like it on ebay right now that looks like new. In my opinion, vintage in like new shape is better than what is made now.

« Last Edit: November 23, 2014, 09:38:09 am by Eric Krewson »

Offline steve b.

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2014, 09:43:20 am »
I only use curved. I tried the one you posted, purchased from a woodwooking store, but took it back immediately because it was like using a razorblade to scrape.  It was too thin and sharp for me and just wanted to dig deep.  I couldn't control it.

Offline missilemaster

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2014, 09:55:27 am »
I have the flexcut and it works well for the more delicate ring chasing, I use it a lot. However, you are going to need something bigger for the quick and dirty hog it off work. I use a big slightly curved drawknife and a straight one. I don't notice much of a difference between the two.
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Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2014, 10:19:32 am »
I like the old ones. I like the curved dknives. Hit the flea markets. Jawge
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Offline JoJoDapyro

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2014, 10:22:29 am »
I have a smaller straight and a medium curved. Both Flexcut.
If you always do what you always did you'll always get what you always got.
27 inch draw, right handed. Bow building and Knapping.

Offline arachnid

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2014, 10:43:32 am »
I found some guy that makes knives and asked him to make me a drawknife. He makes it from 1070 steel with a 10" blade.
problem is its a bit expensive.
Should I wait until I have the money or buy of the obove?

Offline Drewster

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2014, 11:03:50 am »
Arachnid, for my money and a quality tool, I would do as suggested by Eric and find a good used one at a flea market, antique store or the big auction site.  I have two Worth drawknives that are excellent quality, each about $40.00.  No way will you get that quality in a new one.  My 8" one is a great size.
Drew - Boone, NC

Offline bushboy

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2014, 11:27:08 am »
I have a ochsenkopf curved blade style that works well with excellent steel!shipping may be cheaper since you. Are on that side of pond.
Some like motorboats,I like kayaks,some like guns,I like bows,but not the wheelie type.

Offline arachnid

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2014, 12:05:59 pm »
Ebay has lots of old and antique drawknives for sale. Are they any good?

Offline vinemaplebows

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #10 on: November 23, 2014, 01:19:55 pm »
My favorite is like the one Eric photo shows at the bottom....small and bent handles. I have quite a few different ones, but like the smaller ones.


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Debating is an intellectual exchange of differing views...with no winners.

Offline DavidV

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #11 on: November 23, 2014, 03:14:34 pm »
If you can't find one on ebay or a flea market get a "draw shaver" from menards for like 12 bucks. It's heavy and does what I need it to do but pretty low quality steel. Then you can hold out for a nice antique one.

Also the best way to use it is bevel down, I have enough control to chase 1/32" rings with it.
Springfield, MO

Offline arachnid

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #12 on: November 23, 2014, 03:28:54 pm »
Did anyone ever tried chasing a ring with a spokeshave? Is it doable?

Offline Eric Krewson

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #13 on: November 23, 2014, 05:36:37 pm »
You can't chase a ring with a spokeshave, too light weight and slow.

Offline JoJoDapyro

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Re: which drawknife is better for bowmaking?
« Reply #14 on: November 23, 2014, 11:40:45 pm »
I bought a spokeshave and really don't care for it.
If you always do what you always did you'll always get what you always got.
27 inch draw, right handed. Bow building and Knapping.