Ray Iles says he started making froes himself because the old ones were hard to get and too many of the new ones didn’t have the right taper on the froe. Ray’s froes are correctly tapered from top to bottom, so you get the additional leverage when you drive the froe into the wood and more control when you split out the timber.
Ray offers several different size options.
The XL Froecorrectly tapered from top to bottom, so you get the additional leverage when you drive the froe into the wood and more control when you split out the timber. The froe’s 12” blade is made of EN45 spring steel. The handle is a substantial 17 ½” that fits snugly into its socket.
The next largest froes – the premium and the large – both possess a 9 1/2″ long x 1 7/8″ wide blade. The blade starts at a solid 3/8″ at the top and tapers to 1/8″ at the cutting edge where it is further ground to a double beveled knife edge. The difference between the premium and large froes is that the large froe comes with a ground edge, the premium froe’s cannels have been gently curved, making it easier to use, particularly when first entering the wood.
The small froe has a 6 1/2″ blade. The handle is turned beech and (unlike its larger cousins) is attached to the eye of the blade with wedges.
The micro froe has a 5″ blade and the handle is turned beech and wedged into the eye. The micro is a perfect froe for small work such as basket making.
All froes have handles made of air dried English beech that is finished in linseed oil for long wear and a good grip. No matter which size you choose, you’ll get a substantial tool designed for real work. Made in England.
















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