A hand forged curved draw knife (also known as a draw gouge, inshave or scorp) woodworking tool based on one found in the famous Viking Age Mästermyr Tool Chest find from Gotland, Sweden.
ITEM DETAILS
This draw store knife is forged from spring steel that has been differentially heat treated and tempered to provide a hard cutting edge yet tough knife reins. The cutting edge is curved with a single-sided interior bevel. The knife dimensions are based on the original historical find; approximately 3.5" (9cm) wide. The handle is approximately 11" (28cm) long. The total weight is approximately 9oz (215g).
This draw knife is ideal for the traditional wood carver wanting to make useful items from green wood.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE
This type of tool was used to carve bowls, large spoons or trenchers out of unseasoned (i.e. green) wood. It may also have even been used to make the inward curving planks used to make buckets.
It is based on an archeological find from around 1,000 CE at Mästermyr on the island of Gotland, Sweden. (Mästermyr item catalogue number 54). The Mästermyr chest contained over 80 blacksmithing and carpentry tools and materials in surprisingly good condition. It was uncovered by a farmer in 1936 who was ploughing his field.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
As a hand forged item you will find this draw knife has an individually crafted character and beauty to it.
The blade retains some of its dark coloring from the heat treatment process, i.e. oil quenched for edge hardening and tempered to gain toughness. The knife has been secured to the wooden handle by inserting the reins through two holes and gently bending the ends when heated. The handle has been finished with linseed oil.
Product code: Store Viking Draw Gouge/Scorp Mästermyr Recreation Hand Forged Wood Working Tool