A drawknife is a versatile and traditional woodworking tool used for shaping wood and removing bark by shaving off thin layers. It features a long, straight or slightly curved blade with a handle on each end, allowing for excellent control and maneuverability. Uniquely, the drawknife's cutting edge is longer than its depth, making it ideal for smoothing and shaping tasks.
To use a drawknife, the woodworker grips both handles and pulls the blade toward themselves, applying controlled pressure to pare down the wood. This method allows for precision work, resulting in a smooth, refined finish. Whether used for crafting furniture, carving decorative elements, or preparing wood for turning, the drawknife is an essential tool in both traditional and modern woodworking shops.
Its sharp blade and ergonomic design make it suitable for both beginners exploring hand tools and seasoned artisans working on detailed projects.
Precision-Crafted Drawknives for Every Woodworking Project
Our drawknives are expertly forged from high-grade steel, ensuring outstanding durability, sharpness, and long-lasting performance. Whether you're stripping bark from logs and branches, shaping beams, carving didgeridoos, or crafting traditional bows, these versatile tools are designed to handle it all with precision and ease.
Perfect for both seasoned woodworkers and enthusiastic beginners, our drawknives offer exceptional control and efficiency, making them an essential addition to any workshop. With a comfortable grip and razor-sharp edge, you can trust our drawknives to help you bring your woodworking visions to life—smoothly, safely, and skillfully.
Originally known as drawing knives, drawknives are traditional woodworking tools consisting of a flat or curved blade, available in various sizes. The blade is typically chisel-shaped in cross-section, featuring a bevel-ground front edge. Tapered tangs at both ends of the blade are commonly fitted with wooden handles, allowing the user to pull the blade toward themselves—hence the name "drawknife."
Drawknives have been used across cultures and centuries. In medieval Russia, they were widely employed for smoothing surfaces after rough shaping with an axe or adze. A notable historical example is part of a collection of Viking shipwright’s tools dating back to around 100 AD, currently on display at the State Historical Museum in Stockholm.
Although there are no known depictions of drawknives in medieval Western European illustrations, the tool played a critical role in various woodworking trades. Craftsmen such as bow makers, wheelwrights, carpenters, clog makers, turners, and joiners all relied on the drawknife for precision and control in shaping wood. Its enduring importance and functionality continue to make the drawknife an essential tool in both traditional and modern woodworking.
When using a drawknife, it is important to follow a specific technique in order to achieve optimal results. It is recommended to start working from the centre of the piece towards the end. This allows for better control and precision. Starting from the center and working outward not only gives better control over the material but also reduces the risk of tear-out, especially when dealing with tricky grain. Reversing the workpiece and repeating the process from the center ensures symmetry and a balanced finish on both sides.
The final light scraping pass is a crucial touch, often overlooked. It really does make a difference in achieving that smooth, refined surface—especially if you're preparing the piece for finishing or fitting.
This ensures an even and consistent result. Once the bark and excess material have been completely removed, it is necessary to go back over the surface of the object and lightly scrape it. This step helps to eliminate any irregularities and create a smooth and uniform surface. By following these steps, the final product will be of higher quality and visually appealing.
What are Drawknives?
Drawknives
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Using a Draw knife
A look at the History of Drawknives
