Images(2)

Draw Knife

Date1800-1825

Artist/Maker James Cam

OriginEngland, Sheffield

MediumSteel, iron, wood, and brass

DimensionsOverall: 5 1/2 × 18 3/8 × 1 7/16 in (14 × 46.6 × 3.7cm)

Credit LineBequest of Stephen C. Wolcott

Object number1936-251 (W)

DescriptionSlightly curved draw knife of conventional form. Turned beech handles with brass ferrules and caps, through which the two blade tangs are peened.Label TextFew tools in the craftsman’s arsenal were as useful at removing large quantities of unwanted material as the draw knife. By “drawing” or pulling this double handled and razor-sharp tool towards you, large shavings could be cut from a properly secured piece of wood. Draw knives came in a wide array of sizes and shapes for specialized uses.Mark(s)Center top of blade marked "JAMES.CAM" over "CAST.STEEL," all within a crenelated rectangular cartouche.ProvenanceFrom the collection of Stephen C. Wolcott (1876-1934) of Gloucester, Virginia.