Adzes, Axes, Drawknives & Froes

These traditional tools shape and hew timber.  Adzes and axes rough out beams and logs, drawknives shave wood along the grain, and froes split green wood for shingles and rustic furniture.  Sharp edges and comfortable handles make them efficient for green woodworking.

What are the main uses of adzes, axes, drawknives, and froes?
These traditional edge tools are used for shaping, splitting, and carving wood, particularly in green woodworking, timber framing, bushcraft, and carpentry:

• Adzes: Used for hollowing or smoothing surfaces, like bowl carving or beam shaping

• Axes: Ideal for chopping, hewing, and shaping logs

• Drawknives: Used to shave or pare wood along the grain for debarking, shaping handles, or removing rough surfaces

• Froes: Designed for controlled splitting of wood along the grain, often used with a mallet for making shingles, kindling, or chair parts

How do I choose the right tool for my woodworking or bushcraft needs?

• Use an adze for concave shaping or cleaning up large surfaces

• Select a carving axe or hewing axe for precision shaping or roughing out forms

• Choose a drawknife for finer, controlled shaving work—look for ergonomic handles and blade length that suits your project

• Opt for a froe if you're doing splitting work where grain direction matters, such as riving green wood
  Consider the handle style, steel quality, and intended wood type when selecting your tool.

How should I maintain and store these edge tools?

• Keep blades sharp with regular honing and occasional grinding

• Oil wooden handles to prevent drying and cracking

• Store tools dry, with edge protectors or blade guards to avoid rust and injury

• Use appropriate sharpening stones or strops for maintaining the correct bevel angles
  Proper care extends the tool's lifespan and ensures safe and efficient performance.