Replacing my Froe Handle- Cheap and Easy!

I wanted to share a video showing the process behind how I replaced my Froe handle. We don't all have access to kiln dried hardwoods and I found this to be a cost effective and easy method to get the job done. Take a look!

[@markluke8447]

New to carving, Is there a particular froe you suggest for a new comer?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

This is the first Froe I ever bought and I still use it to this day. www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-forged-froe-WITH-HANDLE-Forged-bevel-made-from-8mm-5-16-EN45-steel-/224391083319?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0 It needed a little work on the edge for it to bite better, but keep in mind I bought mine like four years ago or more. Many froes come with a blunt edge since they’re not actually meant to be “sharp” due to the nature of its job and the fact that the edge really takes a beating. I still favor this Froe over one I spent more than twice as much money on but for a beginner, it wouldn’t hurt to check around online (etsy or eBay) for secondhand ones. If you know a blacksmith who might be willing to make one, they’re quite easy to forge as well.

[@briangessler1046]

I read that metal shapers used to soak their body hammers in antifreeze to keep the heads tight on the wooden handles. Maybe reintroducing moisture to the wood handle would have been enough.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I’ve experimented over the years with soaking axe and Froe handles in Linseed Oil with the thought that reintroducing moisture would cause the wood to swell as it filled with oil. After several attempts of this, I’ve found that only the porous rings will really soak it up, while the rest do not. The science of this makes sense in that dead wood cells shrink as they lose moisture and no longer have the capacity to hold any moisture. Sadly, handle replacement is the best course of action for loose handles when you can’t wedge them or replace existing wedges.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Why not put another pin in above the metal?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

All the force is in the spine of the tool. It’s only pinned below the eye so it will not gradually slip off the end.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

@@HuronSpoonCo Yes but doesn't the froe sometimes slip the other way was well? Mine does, and I'm intending to drill it and put a 5/8' wooden dowel in to keep it from slipping when in use. As for the wood shrinking, have you tried soaking the end in boiled linseed oil to swell it?

[@HuronSpoonCo]

@CaptCanuck4444 I haven’t had any issues whatsoever with the Froe slipping the other direction on the handle. I’ve carved the handle to fit the eye very tightly and I don’t think I could get them apart if I wanted to.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

@@HuronSpoonCo You can also put wedges in the bottom, like with axe handles.

[@HuronSpoonCo]

@CaptCanuck4444 I have a smaller Froe I tried that on and eventually the handle came loose. The one in this video has been flawless so far

[@Handcarved]

metal pin! thats genius

[@HuronSpoonCo]

There are probably endless things you could use, but I had a bent drill bit laying around so o figured I’d give it a purpose. Thanks for the comment Jaay!

[@valarmorghulis5265]

This should’ve been a 5 second video lol

[@HuronSpoonCo]

I always find it funny when people that don’t take the time to share content for others to benefit from comment on posts with negativity. Anyone can be a consumer. Let’s see you do better.