So get ready to arch an edge or smooth out a spindle, today we’re exploring the best spokeshaves of 2023! The handles are comfortable to grasp and work with and the adjustment screws will work precisely as intended. In the case of a spokeshave the most important steps you need to take care of are sanding, flattening and sharpening. If you’re not used to it, you might be tempted to grab it by the edges of the handles and start cutting but this will limit precision.

Spokeshave | STANLEY

You’ll need to apply some elbow grease to sand it off before using it so if that sounds like too much of a drag you might want to consider a different brand.You can adjust it pretty easily but this is not the kind of tool you’ll be able to put to work straight out of the box. Pro tip: Adjust one of them for a more aggressive cut and the other for a finer shave for maximum comfort. The handles of a spokeshave extend like wings from both sides of the tool and they’re an important part of maintaining control and stability when angling a cut. Although the spokeshave isn’t as demanding as a drawknife and can be pushed or pulled, always go with the grain when shaving.

Spokeshaves in 2023 - Top Picks by Woodsmith Best Spokeshaves in 2023 - Top Picks by Woodsmith

The sole is machined much better than competitors and it feels well made and sturdy enough to handle whatever you throw at it. It will be easy to use, easy to adjust and you won’t have to worry about the blades getting dull or repurchasing for quite a while.Despite what you might be expecting, only the most expensive brands deliver their products ready to use out of the box. Play around with it to get a hang of how to work it as the 2 wheel mechanism works the screws simultaneously modifying both the lateral and depth adjustment.

Spokeshave Blades – Toolnut Spokeshave Blades – Toolnut

Using a spokeshave can be enjoyable work of precision, allowing you to take small shavings off a piece of wood and slowly finesse it into its intended shape. Flatten the sole, sharpen the blade and wax between uses to avoid rust and you’ll find shaving with it is an enjoyable experience. Adjust the tool for the desired shaving size before getting to work and make sure that the blade is nice and sharp.It’s a tool that’s great for furniture legs but also for working on musical instruments or really, anything else that can use a curve. The Woodsmith Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best tools and gear to build great-looking projects confidently. This is a sturdy two piece set you can adjust for moderate and fine shavings that will give quite a bit of bang for your buck. Most blades come barely sharpened so you’ll need to give it some elbow grease before judging whether it can do a good job or not. They’re used to smooth out edges and create round shapes for objects such as chair legs or bows and arrows.

SpokeShave Flat Base | STANLEY

It’s important that you get a handle on them before digging into the wood as different spokeshaves can have slightly more or less intuitive adjustment mechanisms and you want to make sure you’re in complete control of the shaving size. There are multiple types of spokeshaves available but the most popular and adaptable one is the flat bed so that’s the one we will be covering in today’s guide. Good quality material, the screws are solidly fixed and adjust well and the blade will hold an edge though it comes pretty sharp right out of the package.Arm yourself with patience and spend some time practicing to gain control and gauge whether you prefer pulling or pushing and assess what’s the most comfortable work position for you. We advise that you grab it with your thumbs and forefingers as close to the body as possible so that the movement is easier to control from your wrists. It’s affordable but effective and will allow you to comfortably learn how to adjust, sharpen and shape. The double screw adjustment is a joy to use and it will help you get the perfect shaving size without too much hassle. The bottom of the tool is made from wear resistant material, aiming to give as much use out of the tool as possible.