Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Shondy55 on June 17, 2012, 12:45:19 pm

Title: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Shondy55 on June 17, 2012, 12:45:19 pm: hey guys i need to purchase a draw knife, any websites or brands that you reccomend?

-shondy
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: lesken2011 on June 17, 2012, 12:52:27 pm: Someone posted recently that Tractor Supply was discontinuing draw knives and had them marked down to less than $10. My local stores were already out by the time I found out. You might check yours, though, if you have any in your locale. Not sure of the quality. I did recently pick an antique one up at a yard sale....lucky break! There may also be some vendors on here that make them.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: sadiejane on June 17, 2012, 01:06:02 pm: all the draw knives i have purchased have come from antique stores or flea markets.
they can often be found for under $10. tho they might need some cleaning up and sharpening.
there are many sold each day on the big auction site.
the ones no one took the time to clean up or take great pix sometimes go very reasonable.
tho i prefer to get my paws on a tool before i purchase.
there are numerous variations in drawknives too

some are longer some are shorter
some are straight bladed some are curved.
everyone has their own preference for the style of drawknife they prefer.
you may end up picking up several before ya find the one ya like the best.
i prefer shorter and a slight curve.
but the one i use the most now is 8" and straight.
it was my grandpas and has some good mojo so its about the only one i pick up now.
i also like em shaving sharp but i have heard some folks who like em "dull"

if you are patient you will find a good old one.
the new ones, except possibly the very spendy ones(have no experience with the high $ modern options) are not as good imo

there is indeed at least one fella on primitive archer who makes draw knives.
sorry i do not recall who at the moment

good luck
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: seabass on June 17, 2012, 01:20:56 pm: i second fleamarkets and antique shops.as far as brands go,there are many good ones.i like keencutters.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: LivingElemental on June 17, 2012, 01:29:52 pm: I bought mine at an Ace hardware store here in town. they only ever keep one in stock. $60, but German made, and really good quality, but if you're looking for thrift, i only resorted buying brand new after exhausting all the antique stores and yard sales in my area. Start there first.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: dmikeyj on June 17, 2012, 02:00:36 pm: Got mine on the online auction place. Never have had any luck in local flea markets/antique stores.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Pat B on June 17, 2012, 02:16:25 pm: Ask on "Trading Post". Someone may have an extra one laying around. ;)
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Stanley2015 on June 17, 2012, 02:17:57 pm: I bought one 2 days ago from ebay, 8" blade 1 1/2" deep, $14.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: paulsemp on June 17, 2012, 02:18:33 pm: mine is from my great- great grandpa/ it is stamped with a date of 1837. Steel now-a-days does not compare!
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: osage outlaw on June 17, 2012, 03:15:12 pm: Don't forget to watch for estate auctions at old farms. I've also seen them on craigslist posted as antique woodworking tools.

I prefer the old drawknifes. Make sure the blade is not pitted or missing chunks.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Josh B on June 17, 2012, 11:14:38 pm: Take you a short road trip up to Bethany at exit 92 off I-35. Then east a 1/4 mile to Jim's antiques. I've bought a half dozen of em from him, all under ten bucks. Josh
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Cbert on June 18, 2012, 01:14:21 pm: *sigh* Here I am at work (in afghanistan)... chompin' at the bit to be home so I can forge up some arrowheads and make a bow. Found myself reading and man If I had a forge out here I could whip you one up real quick and It'd be something to do! Maybe when I get back home and at the forge I'll ply my trade for those that are having trouble finding "old" things.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Patches on June 18, 2012, 03:05:49 pm: I got one at Menards for $14.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: Tom Leemans on June 18, 2012, 05:36:19 pm: They will be cheaper at flea markets than they will at antique stores. Seller will negotiate downward with you to avoid packing it back up again.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: JW_Halverson on June 19, 2012, 12:39:32 am: I bought one of those cheap Menards drawknives. It was really easy to sharpen with my 10" mill file. That was the good part.

It was such soft steel that the edge would roll over when I was debarking pine!!! It wouldn't hold an edge worth a dang. Took it outside and threw it as hard as I could into the brush out behind the place. Half an hour I was out beating the bushes to find it. Picked it up and threw it even further!

Bought a good Austrian made drawknife from Lee Valley Tools. It cut my thumb when I tested it's edge on arrival. In all the osage work I have done and the hackberry I have torn up I have only needed to strop the edge on a leather. I looooooove it. But maybe you don't wanna spend $65 on one. Send a private message to BevanR. He usually has a few antiques in his shop in various states of refurbishment.
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: darwin on June 19, 2012, 12:58:29 am: I also just bought one on ebay
Title: Re: were to get a draw knife
Post by: soy on June 19, 2012, 02:48:02 am: I have an old hand made one from grandad dont know the age...however I just got one from Dronknife that works quite well so far ...if you have some tradeing stock i would pm him ;)