Images(3)

Drawknife

Date1800-1820

Artist/Maker James Cam

OriginEngland, Sheffield

MediumIron, steel, brass, and wood

DimensionsOverall: 13" Cutting edge: 7 5/8" Blade width: 1 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-171

DescriptionDrawknife of standard shape with a sharpened, slightly concave blade and a perpendicularly-bent tang at either end. Both turned wooden handles have a brass ferrule at the bottom end and a washer at the other, though which the blade tangs are peened.
Label TextFew tools in the craftsman’s arsenal were as useful for removing large quantities of unwanted material as this tool. By “drawing” or pulling this double handled and razor-sharp knife towards you, large shavings could be cut from a properly secured piece of wood. Drawknives came in an array of sizes and shapes for specific uses.
MarkingsOn blade: "JAMES.CAM" over "CAST.STEEL," with an "8" above, all incuse.