Each spokeshave that I make starts as a select, dimensioned blank of hardwood. Standard wood offerings for the shave models are listed on the order form. Substitutions may be made on these based on availability.Please inquire about an upgrade to a figured or an exotic wood species.

The modern spokeshave blades that I use are made to my specifications from O-1 high carbon steel by Hock Tools. These blades are sometimes referred to as cutters and the terms can be used inter- changeably. What makes these blades "modern" and contrasts them to the original spokeshave blades is that they are fabricated from plate steel, hardened, then outfitted with threaded tangs (posts). Each of these blades is identical, allowing replacements to "drop in" perfectly.

Original spokeshave blades had square, friction fit tangs which appear to have been forged on a swedge block.The swedge blocks produced blades of uniform sizes, but they were all slightly different from each other. The differences were enough that shave makers needed to mark the blades and bodies with Roman Numerals to keep them matched. You will find these marks on the tang and throat areas of an original shave.

Cutting depth adjustments on Dave's Shaves are made via screw jacks. Earlier DS versions had these screws located under the blade. Current versions use a Top-Side accessible adjusting screw (right). For either version, once a depth is established, it is indexed and there is no need for further adjustments. By setting one side of the cutter higher than the other ("cocking" the cutter), the spokeshave is able to handle a range of shaving tasks without having to re- adjust the cutter each time. Shaving thickness is varied by a simple lateral movement of the spokeshave relative to the workpiece. When the blade is removed for sharpening, it will return exactly to its previous setting. No need to readjust and hunt for that sweet setting. This feature is standard on all Dave's Shaves.

Body profiles are cut out prior to shaping. If specified, a brass wearplate is installed. Brass wearplates are standard on flatsole shaves and optional on compass shaves. Refining the throat and fitting the mouth opening is done by hand on every shave. The final step is shaping the body and finishing. Each of these bench-made shaves is sharpened and tested before it leaves the shop. These fine wooden spokeshaves are used internationally by both professional and recreational woodworkers.