Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: adb on July 26, 2008, 05:34:00 pm

Title: drawknife
Post by: adb on July 26, 2008, 05:34:00 pm

Hi, All
I've acquired several decent staves of yew, and plan on some warbows. I need a drawknife, and I'm wondering what's best? Straight blade, curved blade? 6" or 9"? Any advise would be appreciated, thanks!

Title: Re: drawknife
Post by: Dano on July 26, 2008, 06:39:48 pm

I have a 10" straight knife I like to use. I got mine at McMaster Carr, but I bet you can find a cheaper knife, check the flea matkets.

Title: Re: drawknife
Post by: tom sawyer on July 26, 2008, 11:48:44 pm

For debarking yew I'd recommend a 6 to 8" knife since this is a fairly light/precision application.  I prefer a straight blade although it doesn't make much difference.  Try and get one that isn't pitted, especially on the bottom side of the blade.  You'll want a fairly low angle on the blade so it'll act more like a knife and less like a wedge/chisel.

Title: Re: drawknife
Post by: bigcountry on July 27, 2008, 01:15:32 am

I got mine on e-b-ay for like 40 shipped for two.  I have one straight and one curved.  I use the staight for tillering and scraping flatbows, and the curved for everything else.  Curved seems to cut better when getting off stubborn sapwood.

Title: Re: drawknife
Post by: adb on July 27, 2008, 01:41:37 am

Thanks, guys.

Title: Re: drawknife
Post by: radius on July 27, 2008, 02:01:41 am

where'd ya get the yew?

Title: Re: drawknife
Post by: ricktrojanowski on July 27, 2008, 09:33:50 pm

I have a big straight blade drawknife but my favorite is a duck decoy knife.  I got it from Lee Valley Tools.  It is about 6" long with a 1" wide blade.  It works great for when you are getting close to the ring you want.  Also great for debarking whitewoods.