This page was last updated on: August 26, 2020
I started my business in 2003 with the intention of making the tools that could not be found by so many of the re-emerging crafts. Today I still do that and even though some factories (and other blacksmiths) have started to make these tools again, I don't often find one that is as good as the ones that I make!
The materials I use are chosen to be the best for the job, so for cutting tools it is a spring steel (for heavy duty tools like billhooks) or a high carbon tool steel (chisels and the like); all of which are heat treated using MODERN techniques which allow for more control and repeatable results (ie better edges and toughness than more traditional methods). The handles and other wooden parts are sourced from my own woodland and cleft rather than sawn, so retaining more strength than those taken from a plank.
The tools shown here are just the ones that I make on a regular basis (and try to keep in stock), but over the years I have made all sorts of original and experimental tools for various craftspeople. So if you are looking for something particular but can't find anybody who makes it, then please get in touch as I'm sure I will be able to help :-)
I am happy to supply you with just the metal parts in a ground but not honed state if you wish to fit your own handles. Not only does this make for a more personal tool, it reduces the cost to you
Many tools are used by multiple crafts, so please scroll through the other catagories listed (I may have put your tool in a different place! Afterall, a billhook is used by many crafts but I have put them in the Greenwood catagory)
Please click on the images to get a better view of the tool!



Woodworking
I can supply superior replacement blades for planes and the like if you have an original I can copy. Equally if you require a bespoke shape carving tool, then I am happy to help
Chisels and Gouges
I can make these any size and configuration you like. Please state blade width, gouge sweep and internal or external bevel (if appropriate) when ordering. Blades only are supplied ground to an edge, but not honed.
Bevel edged blades only from £45 (1/4")
Firmer/straight edged blades only from £40 (1/4")
Can also be supplied with handles at extra cost.
Adze
I can make these any size and configuration you like. Please state blade width, gouge sweep and internal or external bevel (if appropriate) when ordering. The 'spooning' Adze are essentially double bevelled and based on some that I have seen used for carving spoons in Eastern Europe. They take practice to use and if you don't take to the double bevel, then you can set up a secondary bevel on one side to your preference.
Bowl carving adze: £180 (£120 head only)
T-Adze: Heads from £160
'Spooning' Adze: From £200 (£130 head only)
Socketed adze from £110 (2 1/2") (£55 head only)
Drawknives & Shaves
Drawknives of any size and handle angle can be made, as can inshaves, outshaves and replacement blades for spokeshaves and planes.
Small Drawknife £80
Replacement spokeshave blade £40
Billhooks
In a variety of shapes and sizes, but not double edged (I made one once, never again)
Prices start at £80
Bowl Turning Hook tools
Made from either 12mm or 14mm high carbon steel and available as single or double edged, left or right hand hooks and as straight or cranked. Also in a range of hook sizes.
Hook tool blades only from £50
bottoming tool £40
Canister tool £55
Carving knives and hooks
Chip carving, spoon hooks, straight whittling knives of all shapes and sizes. Please state which curve and whether you would like a left or right handed hook
Spoon Hook (rustic) £45 (blade only £35)
Spoon Hook (carved handle) £55
Twca Hook £65 (blade only £50)
Chip carvers £40 (please state blade shape) (blade only £25)
Drills and Augers
Mostly I make spoon augers, but I can also make reamers and spade bits to suit your size. Augers can be made with an ancient flat tang, an eye (as in 'scotch eyed auger'), hex or Jennings pattern
I can also provide simple branch handles or elaborate chest braces with brass bearings if requested.
Spoon Auger (bit only) from £55 to £70 (3/4" to 2 1/2")
Simple handle £15
Chest Brace handle £70
Gimlets £15
Pump drill £40-£50
Basketry and Weaving
When I started out making tools I was taken under then wing of renowned basket maker Linda Lemieux, so it was inevitable that the first tools I learnt to make were for rush and willow work. Since then I have begun making Gripfids for ply splitting and a variety of other basketry and weaving related crafts.
Bodkins and Fids
My standard bodkin has a spike of 6" x 1/2", but they can be made smaller and larger in any dimension.
Standard Bodkin (8mm or 12mm) £20
Small bodkin (6mm) £15
Large Bodkin (16mm) £30
Cane bodkin (needle sharp point) £25
Standard Fid (1/2" wide) £25
Gripfids
Primarily used for ply split braiding. Also useful for knotwork and sewing objects such as books
3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm available
£10
Rush Threaders
large or small. The larger of the two is normally used for chair seating, but both are used in rush basketry and hats (depending on the size rush you are using naturally)
£15
Rapping Irons.
Made to traditional styling and with no rough edges and sharp corners that can damage your work.
I can also make a leather sleave to fit, which will help to protect the bark of you willow from bruising
Rapping Iron £20
Leather Cover £5
Sickles
These are designed for harvesting your willow. No two will be the same, but it will have a ? shape that allows you to easily cut individual or multiple rods with a simple pulling action. Please let me know if you would prefer a more or less open shape and I can pick one out for you. Other hooked knives and sickles are also available, to no fixed pattern
?- shaped harvesting sickles £75
small hooked serpette £55
larger sickles from £85
Shell Bodkin
Used for cane work
£15
Leatherwork and Bookbinding
Over the last few years I've been doing more and more work for the bookbinding communtity, ranging from making tools to teaching sharpening course aimed at the tools of the trade. Many of the tools are based on Victorian or Edwardian examples used daily in the bindery at Windser Castle.
I was introduced to the craft by my friend Dr Roderick Lane, Head of Book Conservations at the Royal Library, Windsor Castle: ‘Thank you Dave for the wonderfully hand crafted knives. They needed no additional preparation or resetting and are superior to any other knife I have ever used. They are cheaper, sharper and easier to use than the Japanese equivalents. Many thanks for your wonderful work.’
Paring Knives
Three shapes. English, Quarter Round and French.
Standard and large sizes
English Pattern (standard) £40 (large) £45
Quarter Round (standard) £40 (large) £45
French Pattern (standard) £55 (large) £60
Gilding Scrapers
2" curved edge as standard then a choice of 1" or 1/2" on the other end. Available in 0.4mm or 0.7mm thickness
£5
Backing hammer
This example (made for the Royal Library) is no toy at 33oz (940g)
£90
Plough Blade
Can be made to fit most ploughs. I normally have 1/2" and 5/8" blades for Dryad ploughs in stock. I can also make replacement blades for other ploughs if you have an example to copy
1/2" dryad £35
5/8" dryad £40
Sharpening
These are the tools that I use for most of my sharpening and are the items that I normally recommend to people when they ask.
Twybil
Also known as a morticing knife, used for cutting out mortices. I currently make the more conventional triangular bladed form, but also an older chisel-bladed version. Both about 11" end to end
£85
Chinese Waterstones
I am now using and stocking these rather than the more commonly available Japanese stones (Ice Bear/Kingstone). Why? These are nicer to use, wear better, are wider (good for planes), come in a more sensible increment of grits and also happen to be cheaper!
Simply saturate with clean water before use and keep lubricated with water. When a hollow wears,just rub on a paving slab with sand until flat.
For general sharpening I suggest the 600/2000 grit combination. The coarse combination (120/400) is ideal for VERY blunt or chipped edges. The finest stone (3000/8000) is perfect for fine edges such as wood carving tools, leather working knives and razors.
Large stones are approx. 18cm x 6cm x 3cm
Small stones are approx. 9cm x 3cm x 3cm
120/400 grit stones: Large £15 Small £8
600/2000 grit stones: Large £20 Small £10
3000/8000 grit stones: Large £25 Small £12
Nagura Stone (30mm x 25mm x 65mm): £5
Leather Strop and Honing Compounds
The leather strop is the final stage in sharpening, and can bu used to touch up an edge between visits to a stone. By using a thin yet firm leather and backing it with wood, you are able to ensure a flat honing surface (vital if you have spent time perfecting a flat and consistant sharpening bevel!). The use of a loose belt like a barbour has the effect of ounding and potentially dulling an edge.
Honing compound/stropping pastes come in varying grades (see images for details) and are applied to the strop as needed.
Leather Strop (large c.12" x 2" x 1/2") £8
Leather Strop (small c.5" x 1" x 1/2") £4
Blue Compound ('Smurf Poo' Medium grade, fast paste) 50g £2
Pink Compound discontinued
White Compound ('Bird Poo' Very fine polish for finest edges) 50g £3
Convex Sharpening kit
I have made these clever devices to help you to sharpen axes and other blades that have a convex edge. This block has a rubber backing that follows the curvature of your cutting edge, so making sharpening a true convex a doddle. The finesess of your edge can be tuned by the choice of grit paper placed on teh block. Should you be in need of a fine polished edge, then just turn the last paper over and apply stropping paste to the smooth side.
Each set comprises:
Block with foam backing and clamps
Hex key (stored in the side of the block)
4 strips each of abrasive paper (c120, 240, 600 and 1200 grit)
£50
Dog Legged and Hollowing Gouges
These gouges are specifically designed for hollowing bowls, cups and troughs. The dog legged gouge is most suited to finishing the bottoms rather than the actual hollowing.
Prices from:
Blades only £55
Rustic handled £65
Carved handled £75
Picking knife
The traditional alternative to side cutters for cutting (or 'picking') ends flush with the basket.
£45
Pocket Auger
I've modified these auger bits to fit the needs of the bushcrafter. They are small, compact and can be fitted with a handle quickly in the woods.
Other than attching a tube to the top, I have ground and polished the flutes to prevent cutting your hands in use. I also regrind and sharpen the bits to make them cut almost effortlessly.
I stock these in approx. 1/2", 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4" diameters, but can make them to any size that you require. (length is the depth of a drilled hole)
12mm x 110mm £25
19mm x 110mm £30
25mm x 70mm £30
25mm x 420mm £30
32mm x 110mm £35
32mm x 180mm £35
Axes
I don't have any set patterns of axe that I make, but I do tend to turn out similar styles. Small hatchets (3-600g), largish bearded axes (1-1.5kg) and smaller bearded carving axes (800-1.2kg) are the general trends. I can of course make other styles of axe upon request and am particularly keen to make interesting historical examples. I also make side axes and now broad axes
Small axes tend to run at about £180
Medium (carving) axes about £200
Bearded axes about £250
T-axes from £200 for the head
Complete axes come with a thick leather sheath and a and cared ash handle
Stocknife
Used for making clogs, spoons and the like. Not something that I make very often, but can do larger, smaller or different shaped blades upon request.
Prices (including spike) £280-£350
eye bolt £15
Awls
awl blades from spring steel, in square or round but diamond by special request (they cost more due to difficulty in making). I also make square and round section curved awls. Bare blades are ground to a point, but finished tools are honed to a fine point and edges ready or use.
Blades only £10
Handled from £20
Stamps, touchmarks and brands
I can make a range of simple designs and images for decorating metal, leather and wood. Prices start at £10
Dowel Plate
Used for making short lengths of dowel. This one makes dowels of 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. Other sizes upon request.
£50
Splitting Machine Blade
Can be made to fit most manual splitting machines. I normally have blades for a 5" and a 6" Dixon splitter in stock, but can make other types/sizes if you have an example to copy
From £55
Head or Round Knives
Not to any particular pattern, but I make head knives ranging on size from 4"-6" across.
Full Head knife £75
Half Head knife £65
15th Century head knife with Awl
Spindle Turning tools
I make a range of gouges, skews, chisels and scrapers for spindle turning.
Gouges £45-£70
Scrapers £35-£50
Skews £35-£65
Bead Turning tools
I can make cutters to allow the easy turning of beads such as those used in rosaries. These cutters are based on finds from the Mary Rose ship. I created a simple bow lathe to allow demonstrations at living history events too.
Skew chisel £50
Bead cutter £30-£50
Drill (twist bit) £10
Bow lathe £200
Saws
Made for the Living History community, but these saws are all modern quality tools.
V-section forged blade £80-£150
I-section hand cut teeth £60-£180
Machine made blades for horn and bone £20-£35
Frame Saw £120-£250
Tailoring
I'm now making tools for use with cloth. On the most part this is due to a number of historical tailors asking for pinking irons and the like. If there are other tools that you think I should be making, then please let me know!
Pinking Irons
Made from high carbon steel and sharpened to a razor edge. I generally make them in sizes ranging from 1/4" up to 1 1/4", but can make any size and with more or less ornate shafts.
Straight cutters £35-£50
Curved Cutters £45-£65
Buttonhole Cutters
Made from high carbon steel and sharpened to a razor edge. I generally make them in sizes ranging from 1/4" up to 1 1/4", but can make any size and with more or less ornate shafts and handles.
£45-£60
Lead Cutting Block
Oak base with a thick slab of lead laid on top. This is the precursor of the green self healing cutting mat and is still often used by tailors for pinking and leatherworkers for punching holes and cutting straps onto.
Approx dimensions 11" x 6" x 2"
£65
Button and Button Mold cutters
Cutters to produce buttons and molds from materials such as wood and bone. The cutters can be made to fit either historical lathes/drills, or to fit into a modern pillar drill. The cutters come in pairs: one to flatten and shape the bottom, then one to cut the top and sever from the board.
Cutter sets £70-£90
Button Hole Iron (Craquette)
A rare tool used to press (or iron) the cloth around a sewn button hole. As depicted in Diderot's encyclopedia in the 1750's. I was first asked to make one for the School of Historical Dress and apparently works very nicely! The four sides of the iron had slots measuring c 60mm long and 6mm deep; one side is 3mm wide, one is 4mm, one is 5mm and the last slot is 6mm wide
£85
Knife Making
Here are a selection of the tools that I use in making my knives and am now offering to other makers as well
Knife Making vices
I'm often asked what sort of knifemaking vice or clamp I use when shaping handles or polishing blades. Truth be told, nothing as nice as these or a very long time! However, I came up with a number of designs and trialled them on my courses. These are the two that were most popular.
Either can be clamped in a vice or mounted directly to your bench. They both have removable wooden jaws, that can be modified or replaced to suit your needs.
Simple vice. Box section jaws will rotate through 90 degrees and is my preferred vice. £95
Complex Vice. This one is infinitely adjustable with it's angles. £140