Drawknives

[Ozi Sapling]

Evening folks (for me).

I'm looking to buy a drawknife.  They are not commonly seen in the general hardware stores here, or even a timber specialist store I recently visited, so on-line purchase it is.

Seems there are a few options out there - straight w angled handles, straight w straight handles, curved, different blade angles.

Is there a 'go to' type for bow-making?  Or does it just come down to personal preference?

This one looks nice:
(Timbercon link deleted)

Would love to hear your thoughts.

OS

[osage outlaw]

It might be hard to find in your country but the older draw knives are often made out of better steel than the newer ones.  I collect draw knives and most of mine are from the 1800's - early 1900's.  I find them at flea markets, auctions, estate sales, yard sales, antique stores, etc.  I've bought several off of ebay.  My preference is an 8" with a slight curve to the blade.  If you get an old one, make sure the blade isn't pitted or chipped and check the handles to make sure they are tight and secure. 

[Ozi Sapling]

Collecting draw knives!  I love the passion!

I've dropped into a few antique stores already, and left requests for them to call me back if they find a draw knife (and old set of scales (in pounds)).  I'd prefer a beautiful old piece which I can restore to full functionality than a cheap built new one.

[csmcartor]

Looking at the link of the one you mentioned, you might be able to buy one from another country and have it shipped for the same price depending on how much shipping is.  In the US you can get and old one for $20-30 off ebay.  That would leave quite a bit for international shipping.

[burchett.donald]

      I'm with Clint, I like a slightly curved blade...Straight blade limits you...I'm a bevel down guy also when chasing a ring...I can push backwards for a fine scrape also...
                                                              Don

[Ozi Sapling]

There is an old very rusty one from a local on-line trader for a similar price

[Eric Krewson]

Everyone has a preference, mine is HEAVY, straight with the handles aligned with the blade. I am in no way limited with a straight blade drawknife, it is all about technique and experience. I have been using the same drawknife for 25 years.

The big debarking drawknife is my go to blade for all my bark, sapwood removal and ring chasing. The Greenlee below is pretty good, the Pine Knot is a little light for me and the short Swedish on the bottom is just about useless for serious wood hogging and ring chasing although it is good around pin knots.

[gutpile]

my favorite and I got about 5 , Old ones too... is the small from veritas... round wooden handles... I love that one and use it more than any other...gut

[Hamish]

The Veritas drawknife is a nice little drawknife, but it is a detail/carvers drawknife(I own about 4 knives including a Veritas). For reducing  staves into roughed out bows I prefer a heavy duty drawknife, that you cut put your bodyweight behind you, without the handles slipping off. The 300mm Kirschen(Two Cherries)from Timbecon would be better


toolexchange.com.au      second hand tools   similar price range to the second hand one you posted, but in better condition(some nice Greenlee's)

 thewoodworks.com.au        new tools


ebay Australia sometimes has em


ebay US normally has plenty of them, but then you need to factor in crappy $A exchange rate, shipping, GST


Carba tec   new tools

[DLH]

I have an older drawknife as well. I’m curious about the Ox head drawknifes anyone have experience with them? They are German made thought they may be good steel.

[burchett.donald]

  +1 Eric, it's a preference...
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,33815.0.html

[Ozi Sapling]

Hi guys,
Just acknowledging that I broke a forum rule above, by posting links to websites.
I did scan thru the rules a while back when still lurking as a guest. Lesson - read them again before posting! Tail firmly betwixt legs.

Please carry on....

.sounds like having a few drawknives for different jobs is the way to go

[osage outlaw]

You can edit your post and delete the direct link.

 

[SLIMBOB]

Straight blade. Handles a bit offset. Bevel up for heavy work, bevel down with blade perpendicular to the wood surface for fine scraping. Turn it 180 degrees for fine scraping pushing on the knife, for those areas that chatter in one direction. Sharp, never dull.

[hoosierf]

I use a Greenlee like Eric’s. Paid about $40 to my door.