How to Build a Shave Horse. Bowyer's Woodworking Dream. Traditional Handmade Vice for Wood Carving

How to Build a Shave Horse. A Bowyer's Woodworking Dream. Perfect home made vice for wood carving and draw knife work. I've been hand making bows for over two years and have always struggled to hold my bow staves steady whilst working on them with spoke shave and draw knife. Enough's enough! So I handmade a shave horse - an ancient type of foot operated vice perfect for wood carving, spoon making and - my interest - bow making. Traditionally used to prepare wood for the pole lathe, the shave horse has numerous other woodland and homesteading uses and is a perfect homemade companion when making bows. Using foot power alone, the stave is gripped tightly allowing the hands to work the tools. In this video I show how I make a shave horse for free - all the wood I use is scrap or found in the fields and hedgerows. Watch me as build this most wonderful aid to building bows. Dimensions included.
USA Merch teespring.com/stores/lone-archer-store
UK Merch teespring.com/stores/lone-archer-store-uk
I'm Mick Grewcock, retired from business and now self-learning the arts of longbow- and film-making. Join me in my light-hearted quest for knowledge as I learn to combine the ancient woodworking craft of bow-making with digital videography and film making - I'd be delighted to have you for company on this bizarre journey combining digital and primitive technology.
I have a deep passion for the medieval English longbow, the great warbow - the powerful version of the English longbow that earned its fearsome reputation during the Middle Ages, notably the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries on the ferocious battle fields of France and England during the One Hundred Years War (and in the hands of Robin Hood too!). It is an iconic weapon - and to this day, exudes heritage and awesome power.
Lots of bow making on my channel - do browse, view, like comment and subscribe. I have videos on making yew, hazel, elm and blackthorn longbows as well as many others related to primitive and instinctive archery, target archery arrow and bow making. In my videos you will see and hear what it is like to self learn bow making. I am self-taught as a bowyer - learning the hard way to work wood to make a bow - and still discovering every day. Sometimes I fail, sometimes I succeed; but I'm always learning. I also explore the UK's rural landscape, sometimes in search of bow making woods, discovering survival skills, sometimes in search of the glories of this landscape.
#mickgrewcock #longbow #warbow
Check out my other social media too!
Blog: mickgrewcock.blog
KZbin channel subscribe here: kzbin.info/door/r_zw4hK5YIIcE59-iymfxg
Twitter here: AMGREDFOXWOOD
Facebook here: redfoxwood/
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Please be aware that product links will take you to Amazon and if you make a purchase I may get a small commission. Thank you for understanding.
Useful book for aspiring bowyers amzn.to/2JnZoDQ
Some basic bow-building tools:
Wolverine pocket folding saw amzn.to/2t4w3TW
Bear Grylls Machette
Inexpensive hand axe
Bahco wood rasp
Block plane amzn.to/2JxYGnM
Spoke shave amzn.to/2sU82zN
Draw Knife
Cabinet scrapers amzn.to/2y5HMYp
Dial calliper amzn.to/2t4lZdw
200lb hanging scale amzn.to/2l3pMV8
Boiled linsed oil
Tung oil amzn.to/2JRliPy
Majority of my filming is done with Panasonic GH4 & GH5 4K cameras. I edit using iMovie and Final Cut Pro and use a MacBook Pro and iMac 27".
My Film Making Gear:
Panasonic GH5 amzn.to/2sWy0lt
Panasonic GH4 amzn.to/2sWAdNQ
25mm f1.7 Lumix amzn.to/2l46A9G
14mm-140mm f3.5-f5.6 amzn.to/2HIS5kv
100mm-400mm f4.0-f6.3 amzn.to/2JJarah
Canon G7X amzn.to/2l85wlc
Zhiyun Crane Plus amzn.to/2JPDdGb
Rode VideoMic Pro amzn.to/2t02xih
Rode Smartlav+ amzn.to/2HHFkqc
GoPro Hero 4 amzn.to/2l6sskY
GoPro Session 5 amzn.to/2l3SXr1
iPhone 7
Bushnell Aggressor Trail Cam amzn.to/2JJblUd
Velbon DV-7000 tripod and fluid head
Mini slider dolly
Koolertron 1M slider
DJI Mavic Pro drone amzn.to/2l74PIU
Videos edited with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie
Coloured with Pixel Film Studios Cinematic LUTs
MacBook Pro 15"
iMac 27"
GTech & My Passport Storage
Thank you for watching. Comments, likes, suggestions and subscriptions all very welcome.
Subscribe here:
kzbin.info/door/r_zw4hK5YIIcE59-iymfxg
Connect here: AMGREDFOXWOOD
And here: redfoxwood/
And here: mickgrewcock
Music by Epidemic Sound

[@MickGrewcock]

Hi guys and gals. I've struggled for two years when making bows to hold the stave steady. I don't know why I wasted so much time before building a shave horse!

[@battowsai]

Thanks for sharing this, its a really simple design that seems to really help you in the progress of making bows. Also i have to say i really like your editing style its never boring with the changing views, but i assume its a lot of work to get all these angles in the first place ;)

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you! Yes it is a lot of work to make the video but I like to make them as good as my skills allow. The shave horse took about 6 hours to build, filming and editing about 23 hours!!

[@Tombombadillo999]

Mick Grewcock thanks for the knowledge bro!

[@ringokidd387]

Thanks for sharing that man that was awesome I'm going to build one too

[@horseblinderson4747]

Thanks for the video, maybe I'll finally build one. Need to build a carving bench to go with my stump.

[@TomHutchinson5]

Came for the green woodworking, stayed for the slow-mo action shots and smooth grooves

[@gharr1405]

I really miss Mick Grewcocks videos, he's the best!

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

This dude is absolutely one of KZbins best.

[@MrPatrick7777]

I agree. I also dig his freestyle carpentry. It is a true creative spirit that allows for enjoyment of makery.

[@vikassm]

Doubly absolutely!

[@treyvionrussell5922]

Triples.

[@vancamerawoman7399]

A terrific explanation of how to make a shave horse. Thanks so much 😊

[@joebalabuszko8863]

Put the kettle on, grab the digestives, some marmalade and extra sharp cheddar cheese. Watch this, first for technical advice, secondly to see a thing of practical beauty put together. A perfectly clearly done explanation of how to build a shave horse.

[@MickGrewcock]

Perfect. Love cheddar. Thanks for watching!

[@timgill1557]

Absolutely love your video...I am starting to make a bow using my Great Grandfather's draw knife from the late 1800's

[@MickGrewcock]

Fantastic! Great story behind your bow. Best of luck!

[@markluke8447]

Very informative and clearly laid out. Thank you for sharing.

[@youenn2180]

Best lesson in woodworking and English for a frenchman interested in both...

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you

[@Syphixxx]

Thanks man, I got a sore back so I thought there must be a better way to shave off bark and then I found this video.. I had an old bench and some already ready-to-use poles and built the thing in less than an hour with your video! Thanks a lot, works like a charm!

[@MickGrewcock]

Great stuff!!

[@chrisbeadle6287]

I’m halfway through buliding my shave horse. I began on your beginners bow project and had the same problem, couldn’t keep it still to save my life. This video is brilliant, along with all your bow related content. I’ve always wanted to try making bows and your greenwood project on my feed inspired me to try. I’ve also been heavilt depressed recently, going out looking for greenwood and building the horse has lifted my mood exponentially. Thanks for taking the time to post all of these lessons Mick. Appreciate it.

[@MickGrewcock]

Hi Chris. I’m sorry to read you’ve been a bit down of late. Surprising isn’t it how absorbing is working in and with wood, a way of taking oneself out of daily cares and becoming friends with bits of stick. These old crafts and aids towards accomplishing them are seriously good for our wellbeing and I’m pleased that you have found some relief in the craft. Good luck on your adventures, chin up and keep going. You’re the best pal you’ve got so look after yourself.

[@chrisbeadle6287]

@@MickGrewcock thanks Mick. It is, totally absorbing, I’ve never known anything that quietens my mind like it. Can’t wait to start properly, after I’ve finished the horse that is. Thanks again chap 👍

[@mantrop]

There's a rumour: if you leave a comment, Mick will give you a heart

[@MickGrewcock]

It’s true!

[@swaminathaniyer2647]

Shave horse is fantastic. You got a good way of talking, can also become a good commentator.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏 Stay well

[@marion6083]

Thanks so much - you have made all the details clear. I'm a beginner greenwood worker, trying to build a shave horse (when I need a shave horse to build one). Relieved to see I am not alone in the clamping problem! I will keep working and hope my horse turns out as well as yours has. It seems all is possible, with a few sticks and planks.

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck!

[@nstlase5505]

That's a very nice looking shave horse

[@MickGrewcock]

nst låse Thank you 🙏

[@davidwsmith316]

Hi Mick, 👋 Among the various Shave Horse designs that can be seen on KZbin, your design is the simplest and most direct! 😀 I like 👍 that you use found materials and friction fit all the parts. I'm a newbie gathering tools, materials, and information to attempt my 1st bow! I believe I will use your design to first build my own Shave Horse. Like you, I believe that I have all those materials around the house, for free! 😊 Thanks for making it so accessible! 😊

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck 👍👍

[@davidwsmith316]

​@Mick Grewcock Hi Mick, ???Question??? I'm 6'2" and about to make my Shave Horse using your measurements! 😮 Are you close to that height? Or should I add a few inches to the various parts? 😊

[@MickGrewcock]

@@davidwsmith316 I am about 5’10” with 29” inside leg. I think leg length is more important than height but your reach as you bend forward to draw the knife back is also important. You could sit on a regular chair and estimate measurements from that. Some people make a slightly more complex horse that has a moveable seat which will accommodate people of varying stature. Good luck.

[@yehielmike]

Thanks for your excellent explaination. Good combination of hand tools and electric tools.

[@vernwilson6910]

Thank you for sharing your skills with us, awesome job 😊

[@Musrusticus-]

Super little film, thank you.

[@hub7093]

I'm disabled but I'm getting my stuff together slowly but surely LOL we're learning this stuff together friend LOL good job

[@MickGrewcock]

Sorry to hear that but I hope the learning is helping! Good luck.

[@FrederikusRex1453]

thanks :D i been looking for something like this thank you very much sir :D

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck

[@leroymontano9080]

Sir thank you so much ,hello from utah USA🇺🇸

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏 Happy 2023

[@ashleybuckner8773]

Very glad I stumbled across your videos.

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

Brilliant video Mick. Thank you so much.

[@PedroScedro]

Brilliant, just what I’ve been looking for. I love that it’s all from scraps and no glue or screws required. Great video thanks.

[@MickGrewcock]

🙏🙏

[@biggreenmouse]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@MickGrewcock]

🙏🙏

[@user-xh6sf3sl8s]

Отличная работа! Спасибо за видео!

[@ew5053]

This is so clearly explained and motivates me to make one of my own. Thanks so much for your commentary and clear love of what you are doing. Keep doing these videos

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck!

[@gregkinkead4540]

Nice music selection and great job! Love the simplicity!!

[@aswanpohan3380]

good idea👍👍👍

[@rickdearmont9950]

Its as if Sir David Attenborough learned videography and decided to share. Only 25k subs? Unbelievable. Very high quality. Thank you.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@spudpud-T67]

The David Attenborough of wood working.

[@MickGrewcock]

🙏

[@bumfitmusic101]

Nice work, I think I can make one with the scrap I have laying around! Thanks for the details!

[@rodricbr]

that's the kind of woodworking channel i've been looking for, only a electric drill were used, that's exactly what i've been searching for

[@zam200864]

Nice simple vid, thanks for doing the measurements in inches

[@The_Tempelar]

Great shave horse

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@The_Tempelar]

@@MickGrewcock Keep up the great work

[@atomicwinter31]

You sound like the Sir David Attenborough of forest crafters

[@csalazar8426]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@louiscaraballo7354]

That is an awesome video not sure why I never saw this... Thank you

[@thejoe6043]

Brilliant job sir. Will be saving this and making one of my own for the very same reason! Thanks for makin this video!

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck!

[@soldieroffortune757]

Thanks mate. Great Video, great content and explanations. Much appreciated. Greetings from upper Bavaria Germany.

[@MickGrewcock]

Good evening Germany and thank you for your kind comment 🙏

[@ankhtruth]

Voicelike David Attenborough reporting on the making of the wild shaving horse 👍😁

[@MickGrewcock]

😉

[@scottadams9202]

i don't understand why people put negative comments down. if you don't like what your watching move on to something you do. otherwise make a choice not to watch it or to watch it. this guy has put alot of good material out there explaining what he is doing.

[@hillbillyheadcam1729]

Always great music

[@juancassinerio1580]

the simpler the better

[@suggestivenoise]

So awesome Thank you 🇺🇸

[@vigab9601]

I too need to make one. Thank you!

[@master-paul2862]

BIG smile thanks it's a wonderful piece of kit ...

[@terrywinnop1487]

I love it. I am inspired to make one, for free

[@yestervue4697]

LOVE the folding wooden measure stick!

[@crajneelchand5382]

Very nice Mick. Something new I have learned. Thankyou for sharing.

[@allaningster6731]

Best instraction ever made👌✌️🤓

[@stevenbp101]

Hi Bubba, yours is about the best and easiest I’ve seen. Thanks for the video. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you (from an old guy in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿) 🙏🙏🙏

[@stevenbp101]

@@MickGrewcock hey Mick just wanted to tell you me and the wife have a little cabin in he woods and I’m always doing some kinda projects around there, your shave horse is going to be a nice addition to the rustic ole place. We’re close to a small very small town called Strawberry Arkansas. Population 268 and we’re about 6 miles away in the woods. God bless y’all and stay close to Jesus. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

[@MickGrewcock]

That sounds utterly idyllic. We have a little off grid cabin next to a small lake in our (7 acre) woodland. It is a blissful escape from the world’s troubles. Enjoy yours with all your heart and soul. Stay safe both of you.

[@wasteogden5893]

I owe it to you for helping me identify the wonderful ash trees on my woods, over crowded so grew super straight and tall and just like the ones you showed off in other videos as well, I'm doing my best to learn woodworking the old ways cause I can't dream to afford power tools and fancy equipment but I so desperately want to go somewhere with my woodworking it's such a passion of mine even though I'm fresh and new to this. I want to try and make a bow now that I've been watching your videos and I'm excited and feel confident I can make a good effort

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck! Power tools are not necessary (though they do speed some jobs). There are plenty of vintage tools out there and some at good prices. These tools will teach you to slow down, to coordinate hand and eye and learn about wood. Good luck and enjoy.

[@wasteogden5893]

@@MickGrewcock I got severe ADHD a d have rushed my way through life and woodworking is teaching me to slow down and breathe. Of course i plan to use a drill at least but I prefer hand saws over power saws

[@MickGrewcock]

@@wasteogden5893 In which case working with hand and low powered tools will help you work carefully and thoughtfully. The best of luck.

[@wasteogden5893]

@@MickGrewcock exactly sir you understand!!! Thank you for the informational videos and inspiration in life

[@jeremynorman1330]

Just brilliant. Thank you

[@MickGrewcock]

Jeremy Norman No problem, thanks for watching 🙏

[@petervanrensburg4171]

Thank you for showing Mick, nice shave horse

[@kevinholgate5796]

Loved that you made this of "found" materials. I will be scavenging my pieces soon but will have to make a larger table as I work on sculptures rather than bows.

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck Kevin!

[@geoffallert1921]

With some good tools and a good bit of knowledge, you can build anything. Cheers, mate. love your videos. Geoff Allert

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you Geoff 🙏

[@tmccloughlin]

Give that man a medal!🎖

[@russelladams2000]

I have learned a lot.

[@johnny30806]

Mick you inspired me. Got up at 5:30 am drinking coffee and looking at a scrap pile of 5 different woods and built the shave horse. I was roughing out bow staves by 12 noon. Thank you Sir.

[@MickGrewcock]

Awesome. Hope bow build was successful too!

[@mikemccollum4521]

Just found this. Nice work

[@fredmonroe6042]

Just what I was looking for. Kind of relaxing working out side.

[@MerlijnSB]

Yet another beautiful video! Keep doing your magic!

[@benandsylvia]

As a carpenter, I see many trade secrets that most people don't know. Such as using your hand saw as a square. Brilliant!

[@94pommy]

Yet another example of your inspirational video from you love watching them thanks

[@robertpiepenhagen2012]

Mick This was a inspiration for me to finely get my shave horse built. Like you I've been doing it the hard way. Thank you.

[@Traderjoe]

This is the best I have seen! Thanks!

[@aico847]

Great video! Awesome advise. Just found my next projekt. Thank you!

[@robsarchery9679]

Great again

[@whoever6458]

Very cool!

[@michaelhorn9114]

VERY COOL!

[@richardkandalec8582]

Extremely clear and informative. Great job.

[@chetnash5991]

Great build!

[@stahlstenslie]

Great instructions, inspiring and helpful, thank you!

[@laurentiufratila6847]

Great job, and also verry usefull!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you

[@arturoverde3807]

Well done ....time travel at its best!,,,🦖

[@zarkomircic521]

Divno i poucno,smeta traka ,malo se vidi,,,pozz.👍

[@MickGrewcock]

Hvala na komentaru!

[@Kurokubi]

I swear this guys voice would not be out of place in a national geographic documentary or a geico commercial lol Very relaxing. Great video either way

[@lucyb15]

so helpful! I've been puzzling about just how to make one and now I have a plan. thanks so much.

[@aaronpeterson835]

thanks for this

[@sren5896]

Greatly appreciated, mate! Got myself a drawknife recently and ran into the same problem. Going to need to make myself one now!

[@michaelpthompson]

Well done indeed Mick! Here I was, thinking "I really should make a shave horse." and then a video from you pops up on my feed giving me exactly the information I need. I don't have a woodlot, but I have scrap wood around here that I can probably use. Perfect!

[@samuelkristel7864]

I like that you made the design your self. Great work.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

This is a super instructional - not just for bow makers. Thank you so much!

[@michaelrickert7999]

Very helpful.

[@dougbarlow3010]

Hey Mick, saw this video on making a shave horse, my wife and I make brooms, and I need a shave horse to hold the handle so I could strip off the bark. Your design is perfect. Just finished mine using Lilac for the legs and spindles and 2x6 for the bench. Must say, it turn out pretty good for my first one. Couldn’t have done it with out you. Tried to attach pictures but couldn’t figure out how to do it. Thanks from North Eastern Utah, USA.

[@hobbyhermit66]

It's nice to know that once you get your shave horse finished, you'll be able to use it to build some really nice shave horses.

[@mihaizograf5599]

This is an other thing who do to made our passion for making bows to be more deep !!! great video !!! Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@NaturalBowWoman]

This is fabulous, I loved it. I really need to build one. Thankyou for such a great tutorial on how to do it 😀🏹

[@christianschmidt6463]

Great inspiration. As usual....

[@plum1000]

So glad I "clicked" on this incredible video. A recent series of 65 mph gusts russled through the park trees and delivered gobs of "raw materials" for this project, which I greedily devoured to the wonderment of passers-by. But then, I had to "figure out" what to do with the small collection of wooden treasures. I began the journey of learning what an old man can do. Thanks for becoming a resting place of education along the road to peace and contentment. The part about shaving wood that few think about is that one's mind does not get "put on hold" but continues on. I meditate on God... how "real" He is... how He speaks. Imagine... woodworking, old age, and nearness to the Creator! It hardly gets better than this! Thank you so much! I'll put a motorcycle-shaped seat on mine, padded with foam and wrapped in burlap. Fun!

[@MickGrewcock]

Wow! That’ll be a unique shave horse. Good luck, enjoy - and many thanks for commenting 🙏

[@jimbernard8964]

Sweet bench, Sweet Omega

[@joeturner2335]

Looks good Mick. Made mine 10yrs ago. Don't know how I ever managed without it.

[@robertmanly7230]

Thanks Mate for sharing. Good W.O.R.K (Wisely Organize Reliable Knowledge). Looking forward to building one now and make a long bow in Australia.

[@TheBeaker59]

Thanks Mick another great Video

[@josejesusiiivergara1011]

this is the first time I've seen a shaving horse in our part of the province of rizal i've haven't seen a working shaving horse or know someone who used a drawknife we only use spokeshave and planer thank you for sharing this instructional video i show this to my friends

[@interact48]

On this subject this is the very best video on KZbin

[@PappyHolliday]

Another great video.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@eddy4112]

There is something so simple and natural about using the materials and methods our forefathers perfected. Satisfaction and peace come to mind. Well done Sir !

[@firebladex8586]

Our forefathers would have loved to have a Hitachi cordless drill too ;)