Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 18 minutes ago
In this video, I forge and shape a traditional froe—a historic woodworking tool designed to split wood along the grain. Using a strip of O1 tool steel and a custom-laminated handle made from Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) and Hard Maple (Acer saccharum), I take you through the entire process: from layout, grinding, and hardening, to shaping the handle by hand with a drawknife, spokeshave, and card scraper.
A froe is a centuries-old riving tool used to split green wood cleanly and predictably. Unlike an axe or wedge, it’s struck on the spine with a mallet and twisted to follow the grain. Traditionally used for making shingles, chair parts, and basket weaving stock, the froe gives you control over where the split travels—essential for working with fresh-cut logs or shaping billets for hand tools.
Materials Used:
* Blade: 1/4” O1 Tool Steel
* Handle Core: Laminated Jatoba and Hard Maple
* Handle Species:
* Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) – dense, hard, and impact-resistant
* Hard Maple (Acer saccharum) – tight-grained and dimensionally stable
This project combines blacksmithing fundamentals, precision woodworking, and some creative jigs along the way. Whether you’re interested in toolmaking, historical joinery, or just want to see a froe made from scratch, this build has something for you.
Want to learn how I made some of the tools and jigs used in this build? Check the playlist in the description—each Bitesize tip is there to walk you through it.
"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FnfCHQ1jwVPS0BC39EV6NTF
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Make Things
#MakeThings
In this video, I forge and shape a traditional froe—a historic woodworking tool designed to split wood along the grain. Using a strip of O1 tool steel and a custom-laminated handle made from Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) and Hard Maple (Acer saccharum), I take you through the entire process: from layout, grinding, and hardening, to shaping the handle by hand with a drawknife, spokeshave, and card scraper.
A froe is a centuries-old riving tool used to split green wood cleanly and predictably. Unlike an axe or wedge, it’s struck on the spine with a mallet and twisted to follow the grain. Traditionally used for making shingles, chair parts, and basket weaving stock, the froe gives you control over where the split travels—essential for working with fresh-cut logs or shaping billets for hand tools.
Materials Used:
* Blade: 1/4” O1 Tool Steel
* Handle Core: Laminated Jatoba and Hard Maple
* Handle Species:
* Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) – dense, hard, and impact-resistant
* Hard Maple (Acer saccharum) – tight-grained and dimensionally stable
This project combines blacksmithing fundamentals, precision woodworking, and some creative jigs along the way. Whether you’re interested in toolmaking, historical joinery, or just want to see a froe made from scratch, this build has something for you.
Want to learn how I made some of the tools and jigs used in this build? Check the playlist in the description—each Bitesize tip is there to walk you through it.
"Playlist of all bitesize tips used" → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEBXNh1Ik9FnfCHQ1jwVPS0BC39EV6NTF
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Make Things
#MakeThings
