The Best Spokeshaves for Smoother Woodworking In 2024

Spokeshaves are an essential woodworking tool for shaping curves and achieving smooth, precise results, but finding the best spokeshaves for your needs can be a challenge.

The quality and design of a spokeshave can significantly impact the outcome of your woodworking project, so it’s crucial to invest in the right one.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what to consider when buying a spokeshave and how to use it effectively.

What To Consider When Buying a Spokeshave

When buying a spokeshave, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Flat Sole or Radius Sole Spokeshave?

The sole on a spokeshave is the flat bottom surface of the tool that makes contact with the workpiece. It typically has a curved or beveled shape, which is designed to provide stability and control as you move the tool along the surface of the material being worked on.

The sole is an important part of the spokeshave design, as it helps to guide the cutting blade and determine the shape and finish of the final product.

There are two main types of sole on a spokeshave, a flat sole and radius sole:

A flat sole on a spokeshave has a completely flat bottom surface. This type of spokeshave is best used for working on flat or slightly curved surfaces, such as creating chamfers or bevels on the edge of a board.

A radius sole on a spokeshave has a curved bottom surface. This type of spokeshave is best used for working on concave or convex surfaces, such as shaping the inside of a bowl or rounding the edge of a curved piece of wood.

Blade Material

The blade is one of the most important parts of the spokeshave. It should be made of high-quality steel that can hold a sharp edge. Tool steel is the most common blade material used in spokeshaves. It is a high-carbon steel that is durable and holds an edge well. A2 steel is a type of tool steel that is even tougher and more wear-resistant than regular tool steel. O1 steel is also a type of tool steel that is known for its edge retention and ease of sharpening.

Blade Width

The width of the blade determines how much wood you can remove at once. Spokeshave blades typically range in width from 1/4 inch to 2 inches. The wider the blade, the more wood you can remove with each pass. However, a wider blade can be more difficult to control and may not be suitable for intricate work. A narrower blade, on the other hand, is better for precise shaping and can be easier to control.

Blade Angle

The angle of the blade affects the way the spokeshave cuts through the wood. Most spokeshave blades have a bevel angle of between 20 and 35 degrees. A low-angle blade, with a bevel angle of less than 20 degrees, is better for end grain and delicate work. It is also easier to push through the wood, making it ideal for use with one hand. A higher-angle blade, with a bevel angle of more than 35 degrees, is better for rougher cuts and for removing larger amounts of wood.

Handle Comfort

The handle should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip. Look for a spokeshave with a handle that fits your hand well and is made of a material that won’t slip.

Spokeshave handles are typically made of wood or metal. Wooden handles are traditional and can be more comfortable to hold, but they may not be as durable as metal handles.

Brand Reputation

Finally, consider the reputation of the brand when buying a spokeshave. Look for a brand that is known for producing high-quality tools and has a good reputation among woodworkers.

Some of the most popular brands of spokeshaves include, WoodRiver, Stanley, Woodcraft and Lie-Nielsen. These brands are known for producing high-quality tools that are durable, well-made, and effective.

How To Use a Spokeshave

Using a spokeshave takes practice and skill. Here are some tips for using a spokeshave effectively:

Set Up

Start by securing the piece of wood you want to shape in a vice, or to your workbench. Make sure it’s firmly clamped in place and won’t move around as you work. This will ensure that the wood stays in place and you have both hands free to work with the spokeshave.

Angle

Hold the spokeshave at a slight angle to the wood. This will help the blade cut through the wood smoothly. A good starting point is to hold the spokeshave at a 45-degree angle to the wood. This will allow you to make a controlled cut that removes just enough material without damaging the wood.

Pressure

Apply firm but gentle pressure to the spokeshave as you work. Too much pressure can cause the blade to dig into the wood, while too little pressure will result in an uneven cut. The key is to find the right balance of pressure that allows the blade to cut smoothly and evenly.

Direction

Always work in the direction of the grain. This will help you achieve a smooth, even cut. If you work against the grain, the blade can catch on the wood fibers and cause tear-out or other damage. By working with the grain, you can ensure that the blade cuts cleanly and smoothly through the wood.

Technique

There are two basic techniques for using a spokeshave: pushing and pulling. Pushing the spokeshave away from you is generally easier and more comfortable, especially when working on larger pieces of wood. Pulling the spokeshave towards you can be more challenging, but it allows for greater control and precision.

Practice

Finally, practice makes perfect. Take the time to practice using a spokeshave on scrap pieces of wood before moving on to your actual project. This will help you get a feel for the tool and develop the necessary skills and techniques to use it effectively.

The Choice Is Yours

By considering the blade material, blade width, blade angle, handle comfort, and brand reputation, you can choose the right spokeshave for your needs. And by following the tips for using a spokeshave effectively, you can achieve smooth, precise results. Remember to have fun with your woodworking, take your time and practice using the spokeshave to get the best results. With this guide, you now have all the information you need to choose and use the best spokeshave for your woodworking projects. Happy woodworking!

Best Flat Sole Spokeshave

Pinnacle No 151 Spokeshave

The Pinnacle No. 151 Spokeshave is an excellent tool for woodworking enthusiasts who are looking for high quality, precision and ease of use. The new blade and larger adjustment slots have been designed to enhance the user experience and make this tool even more pleasurable to use. The blade is cryogenically treated, 2″-wide A2 steel hardened to HRC60-62 by renowned blade maker Ron Hock, making it extremely durable and long-lasting.

The Hock/Pinnacle Blade has a 30° grind and slightly larger back slots that mitigate the adjusting wheels binding during blade adjustment. This makes it easier to adjust the blade to the desired depth for your specific woodworking project. Additionally, the slightly larger adjustment slots permit skewing the blade, which some users do to improve cutting performance in certain applications.

Based on the classic Stanley gullwing design that was first made in New Britain in 1911, it features a precisely machined 45° bed angle and a rust-resistant 304 Stainless Steel construction for the body, three screws, three knurled nuts, and lever cap, except for the A2 blade and brass lever cap screw. The overall length of the spokeshave is 10-3/4″, with a weight of slightly more than 17 ounces.

The Pinnacle No. 151 spokeshave has a nicely finished 304 stainless steel body that looks sleek and modern. The double screw fine adjustment for the blade allows for precise depth control, which is crucial for any woodworking project and it’s also easy to use, making it perfect for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.

What We Like:

• High-Quality Blade – The Pinnacle No. 151 Spokeshave comes with a cryogenically treated A2 steel blade, hardened to HRC60-62 by renowned blade maker Ron Hock. This blade is ground to a 30° angle, making it extremely sharp and durable. The blade’s size and design make it ideal for woodworking tasks that require precision and accuracy.
• Double Screw Fine Adjustment – The double screw fine adjustment on this spokeshave allows for precise depth control, making it easy to achieve the desired level of depth for your woodworking project. This feature is particularly useful for fine woodworking tasks where precision is paramount.
• Rust-Resistant Construction – The 304 Stainless Steel construction of this spokeshave is rust-resistant, ensuring that it remains durable and long-lasting even when exposed to moisture or harsh conditions. This makes it ideal for woodworking tasks that involve working with wet or damp wood.

Things to Consider:

• Price – While the Pinnacle No. 151 Spokeshave is an excellent tool, it comes with a higher price tag than many other spokeshaves on the market. This may make it less accessible for beginner woodworkers or those on a tight budget.
• Flat Sole Design: – This spokeshave has a flat sole design, which may limit its use in certain woodworking applications.

Runner Up

WoodRiver Adjustable Spokeshave

Based on the classic Stanley No. 84 Razor Spokeshave, the WoodRive Adjustable Spokeshave has been designed with both form and function in mind.

The blade is thicker than the original, but the depth of cut adjustment utilizing the front shoe is virtually identical. Additionally, the spokeshave is much heavier, being made of ductile iron. I found that the added weight, at a tad over 1 lb. actually aids control of the shave when using one hand.

Its versatility and ease of use make it perfect for shaping and smoothing work of all kinds. The adjustable shoe for depth control, combined with the spokeshave’s solid construction and high-quality blade, make it an excellent choice for achieving fine, smooth surfaces on your woodworking projects.

What We Like:

• Adjustable Shoe – The adjustable shoe on the WoodRiver Adjustable Spokeshave allows for precise depth control, making it easy to achieve fine, smooth surfaces on your woodworking projects.
• Solid Construction – Made of cast iron, making it a durable and long-lasting tool that can withstand the rigors of woodworking. The added weight of the spokeshave, at a tad over 1 lb., actually aids control of the shave when using one hand, making it easier to achieve the desired level of precision and accuracy.
• High-Quality Blade – The blade of the WoodRiver Adjustable Spokeshave is made of high carbon steel with a hardness of RC60-64, making it extremely durable and long-lasting. This blade produces fine, smooth surfaces on your woodworking projects and is an essential feature for any spokeshave.

Things to Consider:

• Learning curve – May require some practice to achieve the desired level of precision and accuracy, particularly for those who are new to woodworking or who are not familiar with spokeshaves.
• Not Cheap – Quality costs, so this may be out of your budget range.

Also Great

Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave No. 151 flat, Multicolor

If you’re in the market for a high-quality spokeshave that will help you cut various shapes into wood, then the Stanley spokeshave No 151 is an excellent choice. Manufactured from grey iron casting finished with a hard-wearing, durable epoxy lacquer coating, this spokeshave is designed for rapid stock removal, making it perfect for carpentry, joinery, and construction applications.

The Stanley 151 spokeshave has a fully adjustable cutter alignment and depth of cut. This feature allows for versatility and precision, making it easy to achieve the desired level of depth and alignment for your woodworking project. The manual placement of the iron also allows the product to be adaptable to suit your needs.

With dimensions of (LxWxH) 10.04 x 2.36 x 1.18 inches and weighing in at just under 1lb. the spokeshave body is manufactured from die-cast iron, providing ultimate durability that can withstand the rigors of woodworking. The blade is constructed from hardened and ground carbon steel, ensuring a clean and accurate cut every time. The flat base of the 1-12-151 is ideal for flat and convex surfaces, making it a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of applications.

What We Like:

• Fully Adjustable – The Stanley No 151 offers fully adjustable cutter alignment and depth of cut, making it a versatile tool that can be adapted to suit your specific woodworking needs.
• Durable Construction – The spokeshave body is manufactured from die-cast iron, providing ultimate durability that can withstand the rigors of woodworking. This makes it a reliable and long-lasting tool that will serve you well for years to come.
• High-Quality Blade – The blade of the Stanley 151 is constructed from hardened and ground carbon steel, ensuring a clean and accurate cut every time. This high-quality blade makes it a valuable tool for rapid stock removal, making it perfect for carpentry, joinery, and construction applications.

Things to Consider:

• Manual Placement of the Iron – While the manual placement of the iron on the spokeshave allows for adaptability to suit your needs, it may also require some additional time and effort to adjust the tool to your specific requirements. This may require some practice and patience to get the most out of this feature.
• Limited Base Design – The flat base of the 1-12-151 is ideal for flat and convex surfaces, but it may not be suitable for all woodworking applications. It may not be the best tool for tasks that require a curved sole, such as working on the inside of curved surfaces. This should be taken into account when considering whether this spokeshave is the right tool for the job.

Best Radius Sole Spokeshave

Pinnacle No151 1/2 Radius Spokeshave

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality radius spokeshave that will help you achieve precision and accuracy in your woodworking projects, then the Pinnacle #151-1/2 Spokeshave is an excellent choice. Based on the classic Stanley gullwing design, this spokeshave features a radius soled shave that is ideal for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces.

This spokeshave is manufactured from durable, rust-resistant 304 stainless steel, ensuring that it will withstand the rigors of woodworking and provide you with years of reliable service. The precisely machined 45° blade bed ensures precision and accuracy, making it easy to achieve the desired level of depth and alignment in your work.

A great feature on this spokeshave is its double screw fine blade adjustment. This feature allows for versatility and precision, making it easy to achieve the desired level of depth and alignment for your woodworking project. The cryogenically treated, double tempered Pinnacle/IBC A2 steel blade is hardened to Rc 60-62, ensuring a clean and accurate cut every time.

The Pinnacle #151-1/2 is 10-3/4″ long, a robust 1.06 lbs. and utilizes a 2″-wide blade, making it a versatile and reliable tool that is suitable for a wide range of woodworking applications. It also includes a wooden storage/presentation box with the Pinnacle logo and contains instructions for use, maintenance, and care.

What We Like:

• Precision and Accuracy – The Pinnacle #151-1/2 Spokeshave features a precisely machined 45° blade bed, double screw fine blade adjustment, and a cryogenically treated, double tempered Pinnacle/IBC A2 steel blade that is hardened to Rc 60-62. This makes it a highly precise and accurate tool that can achieve the desired level of depth and alignment in your woodworking projects.
• Durable Construction – Manufactured from rust-resistant 304 stainless steel, making it a highly durable tool that can withstand the rigors of woodworking. Its robust weight and 2″-wide blade also make it a reliable tool that can handle a wide range of woodworking applications.
• Wooden Storage/ Presentation Box – Includes a wooden storage/presentation box with the Pinnacle logo and contains instructions for use, maintenance, and care.

Things to Consider:

• Maintenance – Requires regular maintenance to keep it in top working condition. This includes keeping the blade sharp and clean, lubricating the moving parts, and ensuring that the adjustment screws are functioning properly.
• Learning Curve – The Pinnacle 151-1/2 Spokeshave may require some practice to achieve the desired level of precision and accuracy, particularly for those who are new to woodworking or who are not familiar with spokeshaves. This may require some additional time and effort to get the most out of this tool.

Worthy Mention

KUNZ Spokeshave, Half Round

If you’re looking for a spokeshave that is designed specifically for easy shaving of round stock, then the KUNZ Half-Round Spokeshave is an excellent choice. With a concave face blade and a total length of 10 inches, this spokeshave is perfect for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces.

The sole and blade of the KUNZ Half-Round Spokeshave are ground to a concave face, ensuring that it is perfectly suited for working on round stock. The blade width of 2-1/16″ provides ample coverage and precision, making it easy to achieve the desired level of depth and alignment in your work.

Made in Germany, the KUNZ Half-Round Spokeshave is a high-quality tool that is designed for precision and accuracy. Its factory ground blade requires honing before use, but once it is properly sharpened, it is a highly reliable and efficient tool that can handle a wide range of woodworking applications.

One of the standout features of this spokeshave is its ease of use. The concave face blade and the precisely machined sole make it easy to achieve a smooth and even surface on round stock, making it a valuable tool for shaping chair legs, wheel spokes, and other curved surfaces.

What We Like:

• Concave Face Blade – The KUNZ Half-Round Spokeshave features a concave face blade that is perfectly suited for easy shaving of round stock. This makes it a valuable tool for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces, such as chair legs, wheel spokes, and other rounded woodwork.
• Precise Sole – The sole is precisely machined to ensure a smooth and even surface, which is essential for achieving precision and accuracy in woodworking. This feature makes it easy to achieve the desired level of depth and alignment in your work.
• Ample Coverage – The blade width of 2-1/16″, provides ample coverage and precision for a wide range of woodworking applications. This makes it a reliable and efficient tool that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.

Things to Consider:

• Honing Required – Requires honing before use, which may be a consideration for woodworkers who prefer tools that are ready to use out of the box. This may require additional time and effort to prepare the tool for use.
• Limited Versatility – While the KUNZ Half-Round Spokeshave is an excellent tool for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces, it may not be as versatile as other spokeshaves that can handle a wider range of woodworking applications. This should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate spokeshave for your project.