Best Draw Knives for Peeling Logs Reviews and Buyers Guide

Best Draw Knives for Peeling Logs Reviews and Buyers Guide

Whether you’re looking to relax or get some serious work done, woodworking is a great choice. But it’s only a matter of time until you realize you need a few more tools. One of the first tools you’ll want to add to your repertoire if you’re peeling logs is a draw knife.

We’ve highlighted the best draw knife for peeling logs here, and we’ve come up with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to pick one out.

Not only that, but we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about these tools so you can keep yours in working order for as long as possible. If you’re looking to peel logs with a draw knife, you’ve come to the right place.

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5 Best Draw Knives for Peeling Logs List

Before we dive too far into things we want to take the time to highlight the best draw knife for peeling logs. These are some of the best choices on the market, and we’re confident that the perfect choice for you is here.

Straight Woodworking Tool Draw Knife – Best Overall

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It comes in two different sizes, an 8″ blade or a 13″ one, allowing you to get exactly what you need regardless of the log size you’re working on.

Not only do you get this top-notch draw knife, but it also comes with a pair of working gloves and a rubber protector for the blade. This gives you everything you need to get started!

However, it is slightly more expensive than other choices, but not overly so considering all you’re getting. If you’re looking for the best draw knife for peeling logs, it’s really hard to top this one.

Brand: TH

Handle material: Wood, rubber, and steel

Blade material: Alloy steel

Blade size(s): 8” or 13”

If you’re looking to peel logs, don’t overcomplicate things. This draw knife does a great job, meaning you can start and stop your search right here!

Pros

• Very durable construction
• Multiple size options are available
• Includes a pair of gloves
• Includes a rubber protector

Cons

• Slightly more expensive

Ralaoma Curved Draw Knife – Best Curved Draw Knife

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It’s not the best choice for every log, and sometimes it’ll create a bit more work, but if you’re looking for a curved draw knife it doesn’t get any better than this.

There are three different curved sizes for you to choose from (although they do offer some additional straight blade options). Having multiple sizes is even more important with a curved blade as it dictates what size log they work best with.

The blades themselves on these draw knives use heat-treated steel, making for an extremely durable blade that will last year after year. Not only do you get an outstanding curved draw knife with this, but it also comes with a protective rubber case to help you save the blade.

Brand: Ralaoma

Handle material: Wood

Blade material: Steel

Blade size(s): 5″, 8″ or 10″

If you want a curved draw knife to help you peel logs, the Ralaoma Curved Knife Draw is an outstanding choice. It’s durable, affordable, and long-lasting, everything you could possibly want!

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Features a curved design
• Multiple size options available
• Heat-treated durable blade
• Includes a rubber protective case

Cons

• Features a curved design

Felled 5″ Draw Shave Knife – Best 5″ Draw Knife

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The smaller size also makes it a bit easier to handle and use since you’re peeling less wood off with each pull. The blade itself is an extremely durable and long-lasting option, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out on you any time soon as long as you care for it properly.

However, for everything that this blade does well, it is only a 5″ blade. If you have a larger project, it’ll take quite a bit longer to get done with this blade. Moreover, it doesn’t come with any accessories, so it’s up to you to get everything you need to properly care for the blade.

Brand: Felled

Handle material: Wood

Blade material: Alloy steel

Blade size(s): 5” (comes in 2, 3, and 4 packs)

When you’re looking for a 5″ draw knife, this one by Felled is as good as it gets. It’s an excellent choice for smaller projects or finer cuts.

Pros

• You can purchase in bulk
• Affordably priced
• Easy to use
• Very durable and long-lasting construction

Cons

• Only a 5″ blade
• It doesn’t have any accessories

Felled Draw Knives – Most Available Sizes

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That’s why having an option like these from Felled is so significant. With four different sizes to choose from you can get the exact blade you want and need, and that makes whatever job you’re trying to complete that much easier.

The draw knives themselves are extremely high-quality no matter what size you go with, and they’re all easy to use. The only real drawback with these draw knives all comes down to the price. They’re a little more expensive compared to the other options, and it doesn’t come with any accessories.

Brand: Felled

Handle material: Wood, rubber, and steel

Blade material: Alloy steel

Blade size(s): 5″, 8″, 10″ or 13″

With four different blade sizes to choose from, Felled is sure to offer a draw knife that’s in the size you’re looking for. Pick a size and get to work with any of these quality draw knives!

Pros

• Four different size options are available
• Very durable and long-lasting design
• Easy to use

Cons

• More expensive option
• It doesn’t come with any accessories

Beaver Craft DK2s – Best Horizontal Handle Draw Knife

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Instead of two vertical handles, this draw knife has two horizontal handles that you hold while you pull. This greatly changes the angle you’re cutting at and depending on the size of the log and your project, it might be a better fit for you.

You can decide whether you want the sheath that comes with it, or you can save yourself a few bucks and go without it. Either way, it’s a more affordable option, and it comes from a Ukrainian business that you can support.

It’s a high-quality option, but it does feature a smaller blade and the horizontal handles can lead to some problems with traditional setups. Just know what you’re getting and what you want before you order it!

Brand: BeaverCraft

Handle material: Wood

Blade material: High-carbon steel

Blade size(s): 4.3”

If you want horizontal handles instead of vertical ones, this draw knife is an outstanding choice. It’s a high-quality draw knife that you can use for years without any problems!

Pros

• Horizontal handle design
• Optional sheath
• Ukrainian business
• High-quality product
• Very sharp blade

Cons

• Horizontal handle design
• Smaller blade size

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Buyer’s Guide

While we’ve already highlighted the best draw knife for peeling logs, that doesn’t mean you know exactly what you want. We understand that there’s a lot to break down, and that’s why we came up with this buyer’s guide.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick out the perfect draw knife for you, and we’ll even give you some helpful pointers on how to care for it once you have it in hand!

What Size Blade Do You Need?

While we’d love to tell you exactly what blade you need when you’re peeling logs, the truth is that it almost always comes down to personal preference. Unless you’re peeling wood that’s wider than the width of the blade, it’s entirely up to you to get what you’re most comfortable using.

Most people go with an 8″ or 10″ blade, but that is simply because it’s where their preferred hand width is at. If you’ve used a draw knife before you should have a relatively good idea of where you’re comfortable at, but if it’s your first time we recommend sticking with an 8″ or 10″ blade.

How to Choose a Draw Knife

When you’re shopping for a draw knife, what you’re really looking for is quality. The handles should be tight, the blade should be sharp, and the manufacturer should only use quality materials.

All of the draw knives on our list meet those basic requirements, and it’s why you know you’re getting a quality draw knife that can easily peel logs and will last year after year for you.

What Do You Use a Draw Knife For?

While a draw knife is a unique-looking tool, it actually has quite a few uses. You can use them to trim the bark off logs like we’re highlighting for our list here, but you can also use them to square up timber, remove shavings, or even in creating sculptures.

Draw knives are incredibly versatile, and you can use them in just about any way you can think of to complete various tasks when you’re trimming down wood!

How Often Should You Sharpen a Draw Knife?

Determining how often you should sharpen your draw knife really depends on how often you’re using your draw knives. We recommend sharpening them after every use or two to keep them as sharp as possible.

This might seem a little excessive, but a blade that doesn’t dull after a few uses is a blade that you won’t be able to sharpen at all. That’s why the best draw knives actually dull fairly quickly.

Sharpen the blade frequently and it’ll be like you’re working with a new blade every time you pull out your draw knife!

How Long Should a Draw Knife Last?

It all comes down to the draw knife you pick, how often you use it, and how you care for it, but most of the draw knives on our list can last five to ten years with moderate to heavy use. If you’re only using it occasionally and you take the time to care for it, there’s no reason it can last much longer than that.

The main issue comes down to how many times you can sharpen the blade. Every time you sharpen the blade you remove metal, and eventually the blade itself is just too thin and brittle to work with.

Still, draw knives aren’t the most expensive tool in your kit, and working with a sharp blade is actually going to preserve your blade in the long run compared to trying to work with a dull one to sharpen it fewer times.

Caring For Your Draw Knife

Sharpening your draw knife is the most important thing you can do to care for it, but it’s not the only thing. Another huge factor is that you need to keep your draw knife dry.

Moisture creates rust, and rust will destroy your draw knife faster than anything else. If the blade does get wet, dry it off as soon as possible.

The next thing you’ll want to do is cover the blade when it’s not in use. Not only is this a prudent safety precaution, but it also helps protect the blade from any unnecessary nicks or cuts.

Finally, you want to oil or wax the blade to get the most out of it. Oiling or waxing the blade helps prevent rust and corrosion from setting in, and it will set it in if you don’t oil or wax it. There’s moisture in the air, and eventually it’ll lead to the blade wearing out.

Putting on a coating of oil or wax a few times a year will keep this from happening and keep your blade in great shape for as long as possible.

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FAQ

When you’re shopping for the best draw knife for peeling logs, it’s only natural to have a few questions. We understand, and it’s why we decided to highlight and answer some of the most frequently asked questions for you here.

How do you debark a log?

If you have a log in your garage, the easiest way to get the job done is with a draw knife. However, if the log is still out in the wild, a bark spud might be a better choice. It’s all about getting a blade behind the bark and cutting it off!

Do you sharpen a draw knife?

Yes! All blades will go dull with use, so you need to take the time to sharpen a draw knife when it starts to wear out. Try to sharpen the knife with a 25-degree bevel to get the best possible results every time you go to use your draw knife.

How do you debark a tree stump?

If you have a tree stump you want to debark, there are a few ways you can get this done. You can use a hammer and chisel, or if you have a wood vise and a draw knife, you can save yourself a lot of time by doing it that way.

How do you hold wood with a draw knife?

When you’re using a draw knife, you need to know that the wood won’t move on you. It’s why you need to put the wood in some sort of vice. Don’t try holding it by hand or using your legs, this is a good way to cut and seriously injure yourself.

Use a vice and ensure that it’s perfectly tight before you start pulling!

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Conclusion

While there are a few different draw knives on our list, the best draw knife for peeling logs all comes down to the log you’re peeling. We’re confident the best draw knife for peeling logs is on our list here though, regardless of the size or shape of the log you’re peeling!

Don’t settle for using hammers and chisels and wasting your day away since you’re using the wrong tools. Save yourself a ton of time and energy by using one of the top-notch options on our list!