A drawknife is a traditional woodworking hand tool used for shaping wood by removing shavings. It consists of a blade with a handle at each end, and is used by holding the blade in one hand and pulling the handles towards each other with the other hand.
Drawknives are most commonly used for shaving the ends or sides of logs to create a smooth, even surface prior to adzing or hewing (chopping with an axe). They can also be used for shaping beams, joists and rafters; carving bowls, spoons and other wooden utensils; and sculpting furniture parts such as chair legs and table bases. Drawknives can be found in many different sizes, but the most common are about 18 inches long.
When using a drawknife, it is important to keep your fingers well away from the blade as it will quickly become very sharp. Always use a saw bench or some other type of support to hold the piece of wood you are working on securely in place. Start by taking light strokes to remove any large bumps or irregularities. Once you have achieved the desired shape, you can then begin taking deeper strokes to remove more wood more quickly. Remember to work slowly and carefully at first until you get a feel for how much pressure you need to apply to the handles.
If you are left-handed, you may find it easier to reverse the direction of the blade so that it faces away from you when pulling the handles together. Some people also find it helpful to use gloves when working with a drawknife so that their hands don't slip on the handles while they are applying pressure.