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

[@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

[@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.

[@mickymurray3574]

Mike, while I’ll never build a shave horse, you really make it easy to understand. On must videos , they just start cutting and or welding. At the end of the video, you get to see what they’ve built. I almost always turn them off about half way through. You, on the other hand, are an excellent teacher. Thanks.

[@MickGrewcock]

Micky Murray Thank you Micky. That’s a nice comment to receive. 🙏🙏🙏

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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]

🙏🙏

[@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

[@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.

[@mantrop]

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

[@MickGrewcock]

It’s true!

[@joebalabuszko8863]

Thank you Mick For your reply. I lived in England till I was 13. That combination of digestive biscuits, marmalade, and extra sharp cheddar cheese, along with cutting wood kept me out of jail my entire life. That and a great wife, who also loves that combo has kept me a happy man. I look forward to any other videos you may post.Cheers.

[@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 👍

[@daniellapain1576]

When you work with a shave horse you move in a row motion. When I was a kid I made my first mallet with one and I have never forgotten the technique they taught me to do so. The reason why I think is to reduce back strain on long sessions

[@spudpud-T67]

The David Attenborough of wood working.

[@MickGrewcock]

🙏

[@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.

[@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 ;)

[@treyvionrussell5922]

Primitive weapon crafting has been a hobby of mine for about a year now and I only just recently decided to try the Bow. I appreciate the way you talked about enjoying the art of crafting bows and realizing that Hey. Errors and mistakes happen. Learn from it. Shave some more. Thanks.!

[@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 🙏

[@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!

[@toonybrain]

I appreciate that there are no nuts or bolts or other hardware. I’m in dire need of a shaving horse myself, but hadn’t found a design I like - yours may well be the ticket! Thank you.

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck!

[@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.

[@petervanrensburg4171]

Thank you for showing Mick, nice shave horse

[@colb715]

Just built a shave horse to your design out of scrounged wood from side of the road and old broom handles. I’m now ready to start my frost bow. So a big thanks love your videos.

[@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!

[@yestervue4697]

LOVE the folding wooden measure stick!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@owenthomas5876]

Been looking for simple non expensive ways to make a shavehorse and this is it, thank you for a well explained video

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@tmccloughlin]

Give that man a medal!🎖

[@ordinaryguy6869]

You sir, are an incredible woodworker.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@sren5896]

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

[@youenn2180]

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

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you

[@fredmonroe6042]

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

[@interact48]

On this subject this is the very best video on KZbin

[@vancamerawoman7399]

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

[@ankhtruth]

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

[@MickGrewcock]

😉

[@larsfrandsen2501]

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

[@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!

[@lucyb15]

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

[@rodneygear2141]

Just finished my shave horse!! Thanks for the brilliant video Mike. I’m going to start my first bow on some green sycamore. Then can’t wait to move on to my yew stave that has been prepped and seasoned. You are the most clear and passionate vlogger and really inspired me thanks again

[@MickGrewcock]

Rodney Gear Well done Rodney! And good luck with the bows - the horse will be a great aid. Stay safe, Mick

[@NorthmanAquatics]

I never comment on videos, but this video is so DAMN GOOD. Thanks to you I'll be making my first bow soon. Going to make my first shave horse tomorrow!

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you John, appreciated.

[@zam200864]

Nice simple vid, thanks for doing the measurements in inches

[@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.

[@joeturner2335]

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

[@The_Tempelar]

Great shave horse

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏

[@The_Tempelar]

@@MickGrewcock Keep up the great work

[@kevinclark2948]

Nice to see David Attenborough is diversifying

[@MickGrewcock]

🤣

[@EvilDwarf-pp5py]

Excellent video. When not narrating nature documentaries Mr. Attenborough does some fine woodworking 👍

[@biggreenmouse]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@MickGrewcock]

🙏🙏

[@swaminathaniyer2647]

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

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you 🙏 Stay well

[@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

[@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!

[@deanoboland]

Outstanding sir

[@MickGrewcock]

🙏🙏🙏

[@paddymalone7957]

Really enjoyable common sense approach. Thank you

[@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 🙏

[@jimborstock6281]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thanks for watching

[@bumfitmusic101]

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

[@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!

[@yehielmike]

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

[@1959jimbob]

Mick, thank you so much for doing this tutorial vid. I have poured over tons of 'tubes' looking for a good tute for a working shave-horse. My Sons are aspiring wood workers but to their credit ( I believe it to be) they prefer non electrical tools. I have tried to teach them to appreciate the feel of the wood, the wonderful aromas and the patience (which ironically has been the biggest challenge) with working wood by hand. Consequently, the notion and need for a good shave-horse has been high on the agenda. This vid is simple to follow, easy to understand and it produces a very sturdy and useful tool for the basement wood shop. My hat is off to you in appreciation and I hope you continue to do similar in the future. Keep up the great works my friend....

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you fro your fulsome comment! Glad you enjoyed and that my video was of some help. Mick

[@nstlase5505]

That's a very nice looking shave horse

[@MickGrewcock]

nst låse Thank you 🙏

[@Ade24621]

Nice work Mick. I added a hinge (an old door one I had lying around) to the bench/ table. Made a huge difference when working different sized pieces. I can move the wedge back and forth and hold almost anything it a comfortable angle. Always great to see your work, take care.

[@siggy2609]

Thats a great idea! I'll keep this in mind when making my shaving horse.

[@markluke8447]

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

[@TheCanadianlongboard]

Obviously this guy has a kid that's into videography that's helping him out. Wow.

[@MickGrewcock]

Canadian Longboarder Is the kid any good?

[@94pommy]

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

[@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!

[@Dave8972]

I've started crafting bokken (wooden practice katanas), and have made them from pre-cut "blanks" that are rectangular, and curved (if that makes sense). And next am considering making a thicker one (aka suburito), and was wondering how I'd hold it. My "woodworking sensei" used a shave horse, so I went and googled "woodworking shaving bench plans", and found your video! It was nice to see your rustic, minimalist approach. At first I thought I'd have to purchase a bunch of lumber. But, being in a rural area of Maryland, I have access to a lot of woods, and have enough scrap lumber for the base. So... I will try it. Thanks!

[@interact48]

the best video ive seen on shave horse construction, im sat here in virus lockdown and i need to build one with scrap and Damson for the legs , then i found this video, you beauty Mick , love from Lincoln

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you Bomber Country! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for comment. Stay well. Mick

[@mikemccollum4521]

Just found this. Nice work

[@csalazar8426]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@Theshadow38ish]

I have been wanting to make one of these for a year now.. Thanks for the demonstration Mick!

[@MickGrewcock]

No worries Terence. Good luck!

[@MrSiegenfeldt]

Thank you Mick! Just began making selfbows again and I only need the shave horse to make my setup complete. You remind me of a guy doing a tv-show about food and history many years ago. I watched it a lot as a kid and was a way of learning english. You wouldn't happen to be that guy would you? :-)

[@MickGrewcock]

I’m afraid I can’t help on that one. Stay well.

[@aswanpohan3380]

good idea👍👍👍

[@ashleybuckner8773]

Very glad I stumbled across your videos.

[@vigab9601]

I too need to make one. Thank you!

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

Brilliant video Mick. Thank you so much.

[@ashleybuckner8773]

I stumbled across your channel a few months ago and I really enjoy your style. Just completed my shaving horse and though I’m not yet a bowyer, I do peel a lot of saplings to make Native American decorative pieces. Wish I would have know about the shaving horse twenty-five years ago… I would not have severed a tendon.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thanks for watching!

[@mihaizograf5599]

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

[@jeremynorman1330]

Just brilliant. Thank you

[@MickGrewcock]

Jeremy Norman No problem, thanks for watching 🙏

[@indianatone218]

excellent thanks for showing us ,its on my to do list.

[@lylachristopherson865]

Concise and super easy to understand. I'll be making my own soon. Thank you.

[@MickGrewcock]

Good luck!

[@TheWizzkid67]

This guy needs more views his videos are great

[@crajneelchand5382]

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

[@louiscaraballo7354]

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

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Ah, a great video, as you promised a few weeks ago! Just a little tip, if your pegs start to shrink and slip, saw a kerf in the ends and put a wee wedge in them to tighten them up. Just make sure you have the wedge oriented across the grain so you don't split the bench!

[@ryangrimm9305]

Agreed. The wedges will make the bench a bit more permanent, but if need be can still be left out to allow breaking down the bench. As an aside, if you taper the leg ends, this will permit driving them deeper if shrinkage occurs. OR, use a chair bodger's trick and you cut the legs from green wood, but stick JUST the dowel ends in a bucket of hot sand or over a fire to dry out (not char!)...when they are driven home, as they absorb moisture from the air, they will expand to fit the holes tightly.

[@SnowyOwlPrepper]

Love this.

[@MickGrewcock]

@@SnowyOwlPrepper 🙏🙏

[@terrywinnop1487]

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

[@Musrusticus-]

Super little film, thank you.

[@hillbillyheadcam1729]

Always great music

[@vernwilson6910]

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

[@myobs]

Great job and thanks for showing how to make one using hand tools alone for mere mortals like myself. I'm tired of seeing other people who using vast array of expensive machinery when creating theirs.

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you!

[@salvationbordercountry3800]

You get an A rating from me for Best Design and Simplest construction. As a beginner this is what beginners tend to look for. Thanks (c=

[@atomicwinter31]

You sound like the Sir David Attenborough of forest crafters

[@thecurrentmoment]

"Attenbowyer"

[@MickGrewcock]

@thecurrentmoment 😊

[@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!!

[@longbows]

Well done Mick, sorry you struggled for so long! You can always give the traditional Bowyer`s bench we use a go.

[@MickGrewcock]

My fault entirely! The bowyer's bench is another one for my list. So much to learn and do. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Appreciated. Mick

[@longbows]

Yes, its a big list, an art that seems simple is still an art, 30 years later I am still learning.

[@MickGrewcock]

Well said. A journey that I doubt ever ends.

[@jtothew6735]

Didn't even know I needed one of these, but now we do! Fabulous editing, btw. Loved the slo-mo.

[@philcudworth8491]

Excellent video. I've got 2 for running workshops. They have to break down easy to move every week so bit different.

[@ChaslyMat]

Clear, easy to follow and ego free! Excellent how to!

[@MickGrewcock]

Thank you Chas. Mick