HNT Gordon - RECOMMENDED HAND GRIP FOR SPOKESHAVES

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The spoke shave is basically a handle with a blade in it. The body/handle is very low set so that you minimise the rolling of the body when you push or pull the shave. This is particularly so with the curved sole. The power from your upper body and arms is transferred through straight wrists to your thumbs and first fingers. Unfortunately the nature of a spoke shave won't allow for the use of the palm of your hands to be the pushing point. When pushing the shave your thumbs must be directly behind the blade and down as low as possible and that is the point at which the pushing power comes from. As you can see in the photo the thumbs are basically dragging along the wood and this also helps steady the curved sole shave as your go. The rest of your hands just rest lightly on the spoke shave and are used to direct the spoke shave for the desired cut, plus counter any roll effect of the shave.

When planing curves you should be looking for the top flat part of the handle to be running parallel to the surface being cut. This involve hand eye coordination but our mind tend to be able to work in parallels and 90 degree angles but we struggle with angles in between. So hopefully the squarish style of this handle will help you do this.

Never grab a spoke shave with a bear like grip as your hands and wrists need to be flexible to roll with the shape you are trying to create. A curved sole spoke shave is tricky to use but holding it correctly goes a log way to mastering this incredible tool.

I will always push a spoke shave as I get better control but if you have to pull it the rolls of your thumb and first finger are reversed.

Please Note: The above pictures are only recommended ways of holding this style of plane. You may have your own way of doing it which is just as good. The way that gives you the best results is the best way.