A drawknife has a multitude of uses from de-barking to rough shaping or fine shaving. In practised hands, it can turn square timber into round stock in no time at all. These are useful tools for green woodworkers, renovators, carvers and sculptors. This Kirschen German-made example has a 220mm long blade. It is 400mm long overall and fitted with wooden handles. The handles are slightly below the cutting edge as is traditional and have through tangs for security. The wooden handles are comfortable, particularly after prolonged use.

Conventional use is with the bevel up, pulling the blade towards the user. Occasionally the edge may bite too far into the timber. If the drawknife becomes stuck in the cut, wiggle the knife backwards out of the cut. A little practice will soon have you in full control.
The Kirschen drawknife has a blade thickness of 4-4.5 mm and a bevel angle for soft to medium-hard wood of 25°. For hard and coarse wood, it may be preferable to use a steeper bevel angle up to 35°. The edge is sharp from the factory grind, so it will greatly benefit from a final honing before use.