Reshaping drawknives?

[Chuck Nickerson]

I'm going to try my hand at coopering (staved containers), and I'm having trouble finding shaped (radiused?) drawknives. Since I'd like several different radii, I'm thinking of reshaping some old ones. Has anyone tried this? What's a good link for forging information I'll need?
Thanks,
Chuck

[Frank Fusco]

I recall that Roy Underhill used to reference places in the eastern states that he bought tools from. Check out: http://www.oldetoolshop.com/
Also, try looking in the woodcarving catalogs. They sell inshaves and outshaves that might work for you. I'm not a forger, but my guess is that screwing with already made tools might be a formula for disaster unless one is quite expert.

[Frank Fusco]

I just posted a response on general woodworking that might be helpful. Forgot your post was a Neanderthal thing. :rolleyes:

[Wiktor Kuc]

Here is a link to the article that might help

http://www.wkfinetools.com/MUTools/mTools/scorp/index.asp

There is also a PDF file that you can download.

[Chuck Nickerson]

The process looks sufficiently complex that I'll spend more time shopping for various sizes, and perhaps have one or two custom made.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Hi Chuck, I would seriously consider searching and emailing to some of the internet tool dealers to see if they have any coopers shaves. Coopers shaves are common and should have a limited demand-- hence relatively cheap.