BeaverCraft SK4S spoon knife, right-handed, with leather sheath

BeaverCraft SK4S spoon knife – long curved blade for spoons, kuksa and bowls

The BeaverCraft SK4S spoon knife (Open Curve Spoon Knife) is a hook knife with a long curved blade for hollowing out wooden spoons, kuksa and bowls. The high-carbon steel blade is 60 mm long and the oak handle 200 mm. The long handle lets you hold the knife with one hand or both and gives you more control on strong cuts. This is the right-handed version; left-handers need the SK4LS variant.

A closable cowhide leather sheath is included. It protects the blade and you when you put the knife away and carry it in your tool bag.

Hollowing out a spoon

First rough out the outside of the spoon, for example with an axe or carving knife, and only then hollow out the bowl with the spoon knife. Set the blade at the edge of the hollow and pull in small cuts towards the centre. Cut with the grain wherever possible so the wood does not tear out. Take several thin shavings rather than one thick one. Clamp or hold the workpiece so that the blade never points at your hand, thigh or stomach. A cut-resistant glove on the holding hand gives extra protection.

Which wood to use and how to care for the knife

The manufacturer sharpens its tools to a 20° bevel angle and describes them as suitable for softwood. It does not recommend them for hardwood, because the fine edge can go blunt faster there. Blades made of carbon steel can rust: wipe the knife dry after carving and oil the blade lightly from time to time before it goes into the sheath. When the edge loses its sharpness, strop the blade on a leather strop with polishing compound.

BeaverCraft SK4S spoon knife product details

• Manufacturer: BeaverCraft, model SK4S (Open Curve Spoon Knife)
• Version: for right-handers
• Blade length: 60 mm
• Handle length: 200 mm
• Blade: high-carbon steel
• Handle: oak
• Sheath: cowhide leather, closable
• Bevel angle: 20°
• Contents: 1 spoon knife with leather sheath

You will also need: softwood for carving (for example lime), a cut-resistant glove for the holding hand and, for resharpening, a leather strop with polishing compound.

Sharp carving knife: use with care; not to be used by children without supervision.