Draw Knife Preferences?

Bee Trace Rambler · November 08, 2022, 12:02:04 PM

Hello All,

I'm entering the bow building arena again after multiple false starts. Currently I'm looking at used draw knives and would appreciate your thoughts. 1) Do you prefer 8" or 10" blades, or other size preferences? 2) Do you have any certain qualities your prefer for drawknives used for bow making?

Thank you!

Pat B · November 08, 2022, 02:38:33 PM

I prefer a longer blade. I get better leverage with the longer especially when I'm removing bark and lots of wood. I have both curved and straight blade drawknives but prefer the straight blade most of the time. Sometimes when you have a concave area a curved blade is nice. When buying older drawknives be sure there are no chips out of the edge or rusted out areas along the bevel or edge. On other parts of the blade it doesn't matter too much but the edge and bevel are more critical.

bucknut · November 08, 2022, 06:04:09 PM

Not to disagree with Pat as he has many many more miles on his than mine will ever see. I have several of both and like the slightly curved ones best. I have 7,8,9&10" and like the bigger for hogging and smaller ones for more control on the final ring. There were a couple on the classifieds here that I would have bought if I didn't already have a drawer full.

Bee Trace Rambler · November 09, 2022, 09:19:49 AM

I ended up purchasing a 10" Greenlee with a straight blade from an online auction site. The drawknife looks like it was in very good condition.

I don't have access to the classifieds here on Trad Gang. Do people sell staves there? Some of the places I've done business with in the past either don't offer staves anymore or have very limited selection.

bucknut · November 09, 2022, 04:44:52 PM

There are some Osage staves listed but it looks like you have to buy in bulk. I think we have some sponsors on here that sell or sold staves. Pine Hollow for one.

rainman · November 21, 2022, 10:11:15 PM

Where do you live in Missouri. I am in St. Louis and can hook you up with a stave. Private message me.

Bee Trace Rambler · November 22, 2022, 09:08:35 AM

Rainman, I live in northeast Missouri about an hour and a half north of Columbia.

I was just in St. Louis over the weekend visiting relatives. I'll PM you.

Mad Max · November 23, 2022, 08:32:16 AM

Don't get a short one

I picked up a short one at the classic, about a 6" blade, I started chasing a ring and my thumb rubbed and cut against the sharp edge of the stave . not good

Buggs · December 03, 2022, 02:05:01 PM

Hey I just saw this thread and remembered I have a couple old draw knifes that are in the recycle box.
If you want them, PM me. They are well used, but good steel and resharpen. And free!
[attachment=1]

onetone · December 06, 2022, 08:57:14 PM

Wow, those are old, old timers! They have been sharpened at least a thousand times. Still useable tho.

Buggs · December 07, 2022, 01:03:51 PM

As long as they never touch a high speed grinding wheel, these will take an edge till they get too thin and snap. I actually kind of like when they get to this well used state. They have a little flex and are more of a finesse tool. Not going to hog chunks off, like with a beefy log peeler draw knife.

Bee Trace Rambler · December 07, 2022, 02:15:50 PM

Quote from: Buggs on December 03, 2022, 02:05:01 PM
Hey I just saw this thread and remembered I have a couple old draw knifes that are in the recycle box.
If you want them, PM me. They are well used, but good steel and resharpen. And free!
[attachment=1,msg3018062]

Thanks, but I purchased a drawknife off an auction site a couple of weeks ago. Your offer is appreciated!