Draw knifes

TIM B · October 03, 2011, 12:06:00 PM

My buddys dad runs a antique shop and they have some drawknives there- he said there priced about 20 bucks. I'm gonna look at them later today- what's the best size for me to start with- or should I get more than one size? I've never used a drawknife but as a trapper i have scraped hundreds of pelts with a fleshing knife.
Thanks
TIM B

Pat B · October 03, 2011, 12:20:00 PM

Generally the older knives are the best as long as the edge isn't pitted. They are usually about 12" from handle to handle and either straight or curved blades. My first one was a straight blade and I got used to using it. When I got a curved blade I had a hard time getting used to it. Curved blades work better on uneven backs but I still prefer a straight blade draw knife.

George Tsoukalas · October 03, 2011, 12:27:00 PM

If the dknife is in good shape it is worth it. I have 3. I just bought one which is not in the photo. In the photo from top to bottom is the dknife, shavehooks and Swedish dknife. Jawge

wood carver 2 · October 03, 2011, 12:31:00 PM

A brand new draw knife will cost a lot more than $20. If it doesn't I'd be leery of it's quality. I've bought some good tools at the antique store at great prices too.
Dave.

Roy from Pa · October 03, 2011, 04:22:00 PM

Yup antique shops and flea markets are a great place to find old draw knives. I have 3 here that were my Grandpaps and I'm 63 years young. So you can imagine how old they are, talk about good steel...

TIM B · October 03, 2011, 04:28:00 PM

Well I got one! The steel is in good shape and you can faintly read:
Somethin & CO.
ROCHESTER
E W T
At least that's what I can make of it. Can't wait tO give it a try
TIM B

red hill · October 03, 2011, 09:14:00 PM

I picked up a drawknife at an antique shop for $15. It's a little long for my likes but still does the job. My favorite was found by my brother. It was hanging in the fork of a tree in a tract of timber they were logging!

mwirwicki · October 03, 2011, 10:04:00 PM

I have one of those Rochester EWT's. Its a good one!

Osagetree · October 04, 2011, 05:00:00 AM

Go for it Tim. Just be sure and keep us updated!

TIM B · October 04, 2011, 12:41:00 PM

I striped the bark off just getting a feel for my new knife and I came Off like butter- I'm gonna take the sapwood off tonight- I'm just goin slow- plus I'll hafta do it after hunting and dinner with wife. I'm tryin to figure out photobucket so I can show u guys the stave I have- it's a little snakey for a greenhorn probably but will be a good piece to learn on- and it's the only one I have
TIM B