If you want to shape and smooth wood, you need a good spokeshave; it is the backbone of a shaping kit. The Melbourne Tool Company spokeshave handles the work planes cannot: curved edges, rounded parts, chamfers that flow, and all the sculpted surfaces that make handmade work feel handmade. The cast stainless body will not rust in a Maine shop, the inlaid cork grips stay comfortable, and twin adjustment knobs set depth of cut and skew in seconds.

Choose the flat sole for convex curves, chamfers, and straight work, or the round sole for concave curves like chair seats and handles. The extra-thick 3.2 mm bevel-down blade is M2 high speed steel, which takes a little longer to sharpen and then holds that edge far longer than plain carbon steel. Working with hand tools is one of the great pleasures of woodworking, and a spokeshave delivering fine shavings off a curve is that pleasure distilled.

Specifications:

• Options: flat sole or round sole
• Body: cast stainless steel with inlaid cork grips, consistent mouth, central boss keeps the blade centered
• Blade: M2 high speed steel, 3.2 mm thick, bevel down
• Adjustment: twin knobs for depth and skew, single cap iron knob; disassembles for maintenance
• Warranty: limited lifetime
• Made in: designed in Melbourne, Australia; manufactured in China for Melbourne Tool Company