Vintage Metal Spokeshaves – History, Types, Features, Restoration & Collector Value Guide
1. Introduction
Vintage metal spokeshaves are among the most versatile shaping tools in traditional woodworking. Designed for smoothing curves, trimming edges, shaping chair parts, forming tool handles, and working complex contours, these compact hand tools offer an unmatched level of control and finesse.
Unlike block planes and bench planes—which work best on flat surfaces—spokeshaves excel on rounded shapes, concave and convex surfaces, and tight-radius transitions. Produced by leading manufacturers such as Stanley, Sargent, and Millers Falls, metal spokeshaves were engineered with adjustable cutters, rigid bodies, and ergonomic handles that made them indispensable in both fine woodworking and production shaping shops.
This article provides a complete guide to vintage metal spokeshaves.
2. History of Vintage Metal Spokeshaves
Metal spokeshaves evolved from wooden-bodied tools that were widely used by wheelwrights, chairmakers, and carpenters.
Historical Highlights
- Early spokeshaves were made of wood with tang-style blades
- Metal-bodied spokeshaves became popular in the mid-to-late 1800s
- Stanley standardized many of the most iconic designs
- Adjustable spokeshaves (e.g., Stanley No. 151) revolutionized fine control
- Concave and convex soles allowed shaping to match curves
- Later spokeshaves featured depth-adjustment screws, making them easier to tune
- Production remained strong into the mid-20th century
Vintage metal spokeshaves remain highly valued today for their durability and shaping precision.
3. Major Manufacturers of Vintage Metal Spokeshaves
Stanley Rule & Level / Stanley Works
The largest producer of metal spokeshaves, offering dozens of models:
- Stanley 51/52 – simple, fixed-blade spokeshaves
- Stanley 151/152 – fully adjustable spokeshaves
- Stanley 63/64 – low-angle versions
- Flat, concave, and convex-bottom variations
Stanley’s spokeshaves became the industry standard.
Sargent
Produced both branded and OEM spokeshaves (often for Craftsman). Known for:
- High-quality castings
- Well-machined cutter beds
- Excellent user-grade tools
Millers Falls
Produced durable and comfortable models comparable to Stanley’s 151 series.
Record (UK)
Manufactured highly consistent and precise metal spokeshaves into the 20th century.
These companies created some of the finest metal spokeshaves ever made.
4. Design and Features of Vintage Metal Spokeshaves
Vintage metal spokeshaves combine compact shaping performance with adjustable cutting depth.
Common Specifications
- Body Material: Cast iron or malleable steel
- Blade Width: Typically 2″
- Length: Usually 10″–10½″
- Handle Style: Integrated “wing” handles
- Cutter Bedding: Flat
- Adjustment: Fixed or screw-adjustable
Key Features Found in Metal Spokeshaves
- Adjustable cutter control (Stanley 151 style)
- Rigid machined sole for consistent function
- Low-angle cutting geometry for smooth shaping
- Concave or convex soles for shaping complex curves
- Thumbscrews for blade tension and depth control
- Replaceable cutters for long tool life
Sole Types
- Flat-bottom: Most versatile; used for edges, curves, and straight work
- Concave-bottom: Ideal for shaping round shafts (tool handles, spokes)
- Convex-bottom: Used for inside curves and hollows
Why Woodworkers Love Vintage Metal Spokeshaves
- Excellent control for curves
- Easy to sharpen and adjust
- Comfortable for long shaping sessions
- Durable and long-lasting
- Suitable for both rough shaping and fine finishing
5. Usage & Applications
Vintage metal spokeshaves excel at shaping rounded and contoured workpieces.
Ideal Uses
- Chairmaking (spindles, backrests, legs)
- Shaping tool handles
- Bow making
- Guitar neck shaping
- Carving and sculptural woodworking
- Canoe paddles and oars
- Spoke shaping (the tool’s original purpose)
- Refining curves before sanding
Performance Tips
- Hone the cutter to a razor-sharp edge
- Set the blade lightly for fine shavings
- Use controlled wrist movements for smooth curves
- Wax the sole to reduce friction
- Match the tool’s sole shape to the job (flat vs. curved)
A well-tuned spokeshave delivers clean, controlled shaping that no power tool can replicate.
6. Restoration of Vintage Metal Spokeshaves
Spokeshaves are simple tools, and restoring them is often quick and rewarding.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Disassemble: remove cutter, adjustment screws, cap
- Remove rust: Evapo-Rust or citric-acid bath
- Flatten the sole lightly: especially on flat-bottom models
- Sharpen the cutter: flatten the back and hone bevel
- Clean and lubricate adjustment screws
- Touch up japanning if necessary
- Reassemble and test for depth and chatter-free operation
Optional Upgrades
- Premium replacement cutter (Hock, Veritas)
- Polished sole for smoother cuts
- Wooden handle wraps for comfort
Restoration Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlapping the sole (can introduce uneven cuts)
- Filing the mouth excessively
- Misaligning the cutter clamp
- Removing japanning on collectible models
A restored metal spokeshave performs beautifully on curves and contours.
7. Collectability & Value
Metal spokeshaves are popular among both tool collectors and chairmakers.
Typical Value Range
- Common fixed-blade models: $10–$25
- Stanley 151 adjustable models: $25–$45
- Stanley Sweetheart-era models: $45–$75
- Concave/Convex specialty models: $35–$80
- Rare models or boxed examples: $100–$150+
Factors Influencing Value
- Manufacturer and model
- Completeness and condition
- Japanning and casting quality
- Sweetheart-era or early types
- Sole type (specialty soles increase value)
- Original cutter with logo
The Stanley 151 is the most collected and widely used vintage metal spokeshave.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts & Additional Resources
Documentation Sources
- Stanley, Sargent, and Millers Falls catalogs
- VintageMachinery.org archives
- Blood & Gore spokeshave references
- Hand-tool type studies
- Chairmaking and hand-tool forums
Replacement Parts
- Replacement cutters
- Thumbscrews and adjuster screws
- Cutter caps
- Donor spokeshaves for original hardware
Because these tools were massively produced, parts are easy to find.
9. Final Thoughts
Vintage metal spokeshaves are simple, effective, and incredibly satisfying tools for shaping wood. Whether you’re refining a chair spindle, sculpting a guitar neck, or making curved furniture parts, these tools offer control and smooth cutting action unmatched by power tools.
For woodworkers, a well-tuned spokeshave is indispensable.
For collectors, metal spokeshaves offer variety, craftsmanship, and historical charm.
With sharp blades, flat soles, and proper setup, vintage metal spokeshaves remain among the most enjoyable shaping tools ever made.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Vintage Metal Spokeshaves |
| Era | 1870s–1970s |
| Common Makers | Stanley, Sargent, Millers Falls, Record |
| Key Features | Adjustable cutters, various soles, cast-iron bodies |
| Best Uses | Shaping curves, handles, chair parts, contours |
| Rarity | Common to moderately rare |
| Typical Value | $10–$150+ |
| Restoration Difficulty | Easy |
| Collectability | High among chairmakers & hand-tool users |
Few hand tools embody the balance of finesse and utility like the spokeshave. The spokeshave seems simple, yet it has centuries of history. It remains indispensable for shaping, smoothing, and refining wood surfaces. These are areas where straight planes and chisels cannot easily reach. Wheelwrights and coopers have relied on this tool for generations. Chairmakers and luthiers also use it to bring curves and contours to life.
What is a Spokeshave?
A spokeshave is a small hand tool designed for shaping and smoothing wood, particularly curved or irregular surfaces. It consists of a blade mounted between two handles. This design allows the user to draw the tool toward themselves or occasionally push to shave thin slices of wood.
Unlike planes, which excel at flattening broad surfaces, the spokeshave thrives on arcs, chamfers, hollows, and rounded forms. Its name is derived from its traditional use in shaping wooden wheel spokes, though its applications extend far beyond wheelmaking.
Types of Spokeshaves
Spokeshaves come in a variety of shapes and configurations, each optimized for a specific task. The main categories include:
- Flat-Bottom Spokeshave
- The most versatile and commonly used type.
- Works well on flat or gently curved surfaces.
- Ideal for smoothing edges, shaping chair legs, and general woodworking.
- Round-Bottom Spokeshave
- The sole (bottom surface) is curved, allowing it to follow tight concave shapes.
- Useful for shaping bowls, instrument parts, and sculptural work.
- Concave and Convex Spokeshaves
- Concave spokeshaves feature a rounded blade designed to cut cylindrical shapes, such as dowels, spokes, or handles.
- Convex spokeshaves have a domed blade for working inside hollows or scooped surfaces.
- Specialized Shaves
- Adjustable spokeshaves: feature screw mechanisms to fine-tune blade depth.
- Wooden-bodied shaves: traditional versions often lighter and easier to maneuver.
- Travishers (closely related): used specifically for hollowing chair seats.
- Drawshaves vs. Spokeshaves: though similar, drawshaves are larger and designed for coarser stock removal, while spokeshaves offer finer control.
What is a Spokeshave Used For?
The spokeshave’s versatility makes it a favorite for a wide range of woodworking applications:
- Shaping chair legs, wheel spokes, tool handles, and bows.
- Refining curved edges on furniture components.
- Hollowing or rounding surfaces where planes cannot reach.
- Carving and smoothing sculptural or freeform projects.
- Preparing wooden parts for fitting in joinery or cabinetry.
Whether in fine instrument making or rustic green woodworking, spokeshaves allow for subtle, controlled cuts that blend precision with artistry.
Stanley Spokeshaves
Antique Spokeshaves
Materials and Construction
Historically and today, spokeshaves are crafted from a variety of materials:
- Wooden spokeshaves: Traditional, lightweight, and quick to adjust. Typically made from beech, boxwood, or other hardwoods.
- Metal-bodied spokeshaves: Introduced in the 19th century, these are durable and stable. Cast iron and later ductile iron became common.
- Blade steels: High-carbon tool steel has long been used, though modern makers also offer A2 or O1 steel blades for edge retention.
- Handles: Either integral (in wooden models) or cast/attached in metal models. Some modern spokeshaves feature ergonomic plastic or composite grips.
Who Made Spokeshaves?
Numerous toolmakers produced spokeshaves, from small workshops to large industrial firms. Some of the most notable include:
- Stanley (USA) – Their No. 151 adjustable spokeshave is among the most iconic.
- Millers Falls (USA) – Produced both wooden and iron-bodied spokeshaves.
- Sargent (USA) – Known for high-quality cast iron shaves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Edward Preston & Sons (England) – A prestigious Birmingham firm, highly regarded for precision metalwork.
- Record (England) – Offered excellent adjustable models, continuing the British tradition.
- Sheffield Makers (various) – Numerous Sheffield edge-tool firms produced wooden and iron spokeshaves through the 18th–20th centuries.
- Modern makers: Companies like Veritas (Canada) and Lie-Nielsen (USA) continue to produce premium spokeshaves for contemporary woodworkers.
How to Use a Spokeshave
Using a spokeshave effectively requires finesse more than brute force:
- Preparation
- Ensure the blade is razor sharp—dull edges will tear rather than shave.
- Adjust the blade depth: shallow for fine finishing, deeper for material removal.
- For adjustable models, use the screws or thumbwheels; for wooden shaves, set with light taps.
- Technique
- Hold the spokeshave with both hands on the handles.
- Draw it toward you with smooth, controlled strokes.
- For tight concaves, pivot the tool slightly side-to-side to follow the curve.
- Use with the grain whenever possible to avoid tear-out; switch to pulling or pushing depending on grain direction.
- Application
- Start with coarser cuts to establish shape.
- Refine with lighter passes until the desired smoothness is achieved.
- Check work frequently for symmetry and flow of curves.
- Finishing
- Spokeshave cuts are often smooth enough to require little sanding.
- On sculptural work, the spokeshave can be the final shaping tool before finishing.
Conclusion
The spokeshave is a deceptively simple yet profoundly effective tool, bridging the gap between coarse shaping and fine finishing. Its adaptability across curves and contours makes it a favorite for chairmakers, boatbuilders, instrument makers, and hobbyist woodworkers alike. With proper sharpening, adjustment, and care, a good spokeshave will serve faithfully for a lifetime—just as it has for countless craftspeople over the centuries.
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