Making a Strong Hook Knife

At a glance..

This guide will help explain and show you how to make a hook knife that will keep its razor edge through hardwoods, that is strong enough for two hands, and will not snap.

The details..

In 'Making a Strong Hook Knife', Scott teaches readers how to create an essential tool for woodworkers of every stripe: the hook knife. The book begins with an introduction to this versatile tool used in crafting everything from wooden bowls and spoons to aboriginal boats across North America. Scott then walks readers through selecting the right steel - either purchased or recovered - before explaining his process of annealing it.

Once you have your annealed steel prepared, Scott guides you through creating the blade itself using filing techniques or grinding speeds if preferred. He also explains why band saw steel is ideal due to its exceptional tensile strength which lends itself well to achieving an excellent edge.

With your roughed-out blade complete, Part 2 covers fitting it into a handle made from cherry or yew wood so that working on the blade becomes easier. Readers are guided through marking off their block of hardwood before outlining where they need holes drilled straight through both tang and block.

This guide concludes by advising readers on putting double bevels onto their newly created blades while ensuring they remain cool throughout this final stage.