The drawknife is a versatile woodworking tool used for shaping and smoothing wood by removing material quickly and efficiently. It consists of a blade with handles at each end, allowing for two-handed operation. Drawknives are commonly used in various woodworking projects, including furniture making, boat building, timber framing, and carving.

Our Top Picks for Best Drawknife

Timber Tuff TMB-08DS 8-Inch Straight Draw Shave

Features a 8” inch blade with comfortable wood grip handles. 

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable Wood Grip Handles
• Steel blade with blade protector
• Easy-to-use, good for beginners

Cons:

• Entry level, not top-tier quality
• Blade doesn’t hold edge as long as other options so may require for frequent sharpening

Lumberjack Tools 10″ Draw Knife (DK1000) 

Made from a higher-grade steel than the previous knife, and users say this helps it hold an edge longer and remain more durable. The handles are made from urethane, which makes them more durable than wood, although some say they’re not as comfortable to hold over long periods of time. This tool is made in the USA and buyers noted the manufacturer provides exceptional customer support. Features a 10” blade.

Pros:

• Manufactured with premium tool steel which increases durability.
• Holds an edge longer and requires less frequent sharpening.
• Ergonomically designed urethane handles impervious to oil, dirt, water and extreme temperatures.
• Designed and manufactured in USA with exceptional customer support

Cons:

• More expensive option.
• Some users find handles not as comfortable over long periods of use.

10 Inches Straight Draw Shave Tool

Wood handles are ergonomic and comfortable for long periods of use. Great option of debarking logs and smaller woodworking jobs. A simple, yet effective drawknife. Also features a longer 10” blade.

Pros:

• Excellent design.
• Handles have great ergonomic design and comfortable for long periods of use.
• Excellent middle of the road option.

Cons:

• Wood handles less durable than the Lumberjack Tools 10″ Draw Knife (DK1000).

Felled Draw Shave Knife – 8in Curved Draw Knife 

Curved draw knife featuring a 8” blade with ergonomic wood handles. Used by timber farmers, wood turners and carvers, and furniture fabricators. Quickly removes excess materials to shape surfaces to create spindles, pegs, seats, bowls and much more. Made with a beveled blade of hardened steel which ensures durability. 

Pros:

• Great for projects requiring a curved blade.
• Blade made with high quality steel reducing sharpening requirement from lost edges.
• Comfortable ergonomic wood handle design.

Cons:

• Less versatile and general application uses than a straight-edge drawknife

What Should You Look for in a Drawknife?

1. Blade Material and Sharpness: Look for drawknives with blades made from high-quality steel, such as high-carbon steel or tool steel. A sharp and well-maintained blade will ensure clean and efficient cuts.
2. Blade Length and Curve: Consider the length and curve of the drawknife’s blade based on your intended applications. Longer blades are suitable for larger projects and roughing out, while shorter blades offer more control and precision. The curve of the blade affects the type of cuts you can make, so choose one that suits your woodworking tasks.
3. Handle Comfort and Ergonomics: Check for comfortable and ergonomic handles that provide a secure grip and minimize hand fatigue during prolonged use. The shape and size of the handles should suit your hand size and allow for optimal control.
4. Customer Reviews and Ratings: Read customer reviews and ratings on Amazon to gather insights about the drawknives’ performance, durability, and overall quality. Look for feedback from other woodworkers who have used the products for similar applications.

Applications of a Drawknife

1. Shaping and Beveling: Drawknives excel at shaping wood and creating bevels on edges. They are ideal for roughing out components, such as chair legs, table legs, or handles, before refining them with other tools.
2. Debarking and Shaving: Drawknives are effective for removing bark from logs or branches, preparing them for further processing. They can also be used to shave or level surfaces, such as when creating rustic finishes or sculpting curved components.
3. Carving and Hollowing: With proper technique, drawknives can be used to carve and hollow out wooden surfaces. This makes them suitable for projects like making bowls, spoons, or other curved or concave structures.
4. Chamfering and Trimming: Drawknives can create chamfers or beveled edges on the corners of boards or other wooden elements. They are also handy for trimming excess material or achieving precise cuts in woodworking joinery.

How to Use a Drawknife

1. Safety First: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, when using a drawknife. Secure your workpiece firmly to prevent any movement or slipping during operation.
2. Proper Grip: Hold the drawknife by the handles, one in each hand, maintaining a firm grip. Ensure that your hands are positioned away from the cutting edge to avoid accidents.
3. Positioning: Position the drawknife at an angle to the wood surface, with the bevel side facing down. Start with a shallow angle for light cuts and gradually increase it as needed.
4. Cutting Technique: Apply controlled downward pressure and push the drawknife away from your body, moving it along the wood’s surface. Use long, sweeping strokes for larger areas and shorter strokes for more precise cuts.
5. Direction of Cut: When working with the grain, follow the direction of the wood fibers for cleaner and smoother cuts. For end grain or across the grain cuts, take extra care to prevent tear-out by making lighter passes or using a slicing motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a spokeshave and a drawknife?

While both spokeshaves and drawknives are woodworking tools used for shaping and smoothing wood, they have distinct differences in their design and usage.

Design:

Spokeshave: A spokeshave consists of a blade with handles on either end. The blade is typically flat or slightly curved and is set at a low angle relative to the wood surface. The handles are positioned perpendicular to the blade and allow for two-handed operation.

Drawknife: A drawknife also has a blade with handles on either end, but the blade is typically longer and straighter compared to a spokeshave. The handles are often at a downward angle in relation to the blade, allowing for a variety of cutting angles.

Cutting Action:

Spokeshave: A spokeshave is primarily used for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces. It is designed to work across the grain of the wood, allowing for precise control when shaping round or curved elements like chair legs, wheel spokes, or boat oars.

Drawknife: A drawknife is designed for more versatile cutting actions. It can be used for shaping both curved and flat surfaces, as well as for removing material quickly. The drawknife is typically used along the grain of the wood, making it effective for tasks such as debarking, shaping beams, or creating bevels.

Handling:

Spokeshave: Due to its smaller size and ergonomic handles, a spokeshave is typically operated with both hands, with one hand applying downward pressure on the handles while the other guides the tool along the wood surface. The handles offer good control and stability during shaping operations.

Drawknife: A drawknife is usually operated with both hands as well, but the handles are often at a downward angle, allowing for various cutting techniques. The user can pull the drawknife toward them or push it away, depending on the desired cut and wood grain orientation.

Application:

Spokeshave: Spokeshaves are commonly used in woodworking projects that require shaping curved or round components. They are popular for chair making, instrument making, and other tasks that involve intricate shaping of curved surfaces.

Drawknife: Drawknives are versatile tools suitable for a wide range of woodworking applications. They can be used for rough shaping, removing bark, chamfering edges, carving bowls or spoons, and other tasks that require material removal or shaping of both curved and flat surfaces.

In summary, spokeshaves are specialized tools for shaping curved surfaces, while drawknives offer versatility for shaping both curved and flat surfaces. The choice between the two depends on the specific woodworking task at hand.

What are the different types of drawknives?

There are several different types of drawknives available, each with its own design and purpose. Here are some of the common types of drawknives you may come across:

Straight Drawknife: The straight drawknife is the most basic and traditional design. It features a straight blade with handles on either end. This type of drawknife is versatile and suitable for a wide range of woodworking tasks.

Curved Drawknife: A curved drawknife has a slight curve along the blade, which allows for more controlled and precise cuts. The curve can vary in shape and extent, depending on the specific model. Curved drawknives are commonly used in carving and shaping tasks where intricate cuts are required.

Inshave Drawknife: An inshave drawknife has a curved blade with the bevel on the inside of the curve. This design makes it ideal for hollowing out concave surfaces, such as bowls or chair seats. The inshave drawknife allows for controlled and efficient material removal in curved areas.

Scorp Drawknife: The scorp drawknife has a semicircular blade with two handles attached at each end. It is specifically designed for hollowing out rounded surfaces, such as chair seats, bowls, or the inside of spoon bowls. The scorp drawknife is often used in spoon carving and similar projects.

Twisted Drawknife: A twisted drawknife features a blade that is twisted along its length. This design allows for more versatility in cutting various angles and contours. Twisted drawknives are useful for shaping irregular or asymmetrical surfaces, such as curved chair arms or handcrafted furniture details.

Folding Drawknife: A folding drawknife is designed with a hinged blade that can be folded into the handle for easy storage and transport. This type of drawknife is convenient for woodworkers who need to carry their tools to different locations or have limited storage space.

It’s worth noting that some drawknives may combine features of different types. Manufacturers may also offer variations within each category, providing options with different blade lengths, handle materials, and bevel angles. The choice of drawknife type depends on the specific woodworking task at hand and the user’s preferences for control, precision, and the desired shape of the cuts.

Is a curved or straight drawknife better?

Whether a curved or straight drawknife is better depends on the specific woodworking task at hand and personal preference. Each type has its own advantages and best-suited applications. Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Curved Drawknife:

Advantages:

Enhanced Control: The slight curve along the blade allows for better control and precision when shaping and carving curved surfaces.

Efficient Material Removal: The curved shape helps in quickly removing material along curved areas, such as shaping chair arms or carving bowls.

Reduced Risk of Digging In: The curve minimizes the chance of the drawknife digging into the wood unintentionally, especially when making curved cuts.

Best Suited for:

Carving: Curved drawknives are excellent for intricate carving tasks that involve shaping and hollowing out concave surfaces.

Shaping Curved Components: They are well-suited for shaping chair arms, rounded table legs, or any other project requiring precise curved cuts.

Straight Drawknife:

Advantages:

Versatility: Straight drawknives are more versatile and can handle a wide range of woodworking tasks, both on flat and curved surfaces.

Long, Even Cuts: The straight blade allows for long, smooth cuts, making them suitable for tasks that require material removal across larger areas.

Straight Edge Reference: The straight edge of the blade can act as a reference guide for making straight and flat cuts.

Best Suited for:

General Shaping and Smoothing: Straight drawknives are well-suited for general shaping, leveling, and smoothing tasks on both flat and curved surfaces.

Beveling Edges: They are useful for creating bevels or chamfers on the edges of boards or other wooden elements.

Ultimately, the choice between a curved or straight drawknife depends on the specific woodworking project you are working on. Consider the shape of the workpiece, the type of cuts required, and your personal comfort and familiarity with using each type. It’s often helpful to have both types in your tool collection to handle different woodworking scenarios.