I built my first Windsor chair with a drawknife, a pocketknife, and a stack of sandpaper. It took me three weekends and left my forearms sore for a month. The day I picked up a proper spokeshave, everything changed.
A good spokeshave is the difference between fighting your material and shaping it like clay. For chair making, where every leg, rung, and arm bow curves in three dimensions, the spokeshave does the work no other tool can do as gracefully. I’ve spent the last 18 months testing the most popular models on green ash, dry white oak, and everything in between, and I’m sharing everything I’ve learned.
This guide covers the best spokeshaves for chair making available right now. Whether you’re building your first stool or running a Windsor chair production shop, I’ll show you which models deliver real value, which ones need work out of the box, and which are worth every penny of their premium price. I’ve included options across every budget, from sub-15 dollar starter tools to heirloom-grade instruments.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Chair Makers in August
Woodriver Adjustable Spokeshave
- Cast iron body
- Adjustable shoe
- Fine smooth surfaces
- 2-inch blade
Stanley 1-12-151 No. 151 Flat Spokeshave
- Fine grey iron body
- Twin thumbscrews
- Classic design
- 667 reviews
Taytools 469560 Flat Bottom Spokeshave
- Brass knobs
- Ductile cast iron
- RC 55-60 blade
- Fine adjustment
Best Spokeshaves for Chair Making in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stanley 1-12-151 No. 151 Flat Spokeshave |
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| Woodriver Adjustable Spokeshave |
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 Robert Larson Kunz 151 Flat Spokeshave |
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 Robert Larson Kunz Round Bottom Spokeshave |
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| Taytools 469560 Flat Bottom Spokeshave |
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 Kunz Spokeshave Half Round |
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 Kunz #50 Flat Spokeshave |
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 ASTITCHIN Adjustable Spokeshave Set |
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 Swpeet 10 inch Adjustable Spokeshave |
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 Hilitand 9 inch Hand Planer Spokeshave |
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1. Stanley 1-12-151 No. 151 Flat Spokeshave – The Proven Classic for Chair Making
- Proven design used for decades
- Twin thumbscrews for fine depth control
- Cast iron body holds shape
- Excellent for chair legs and rungs
- Older stock can need lapping
- Less refined than modern premium tools
I bought my Stanley 151 back in 2019 and it’s still the spokeshave I reach for when I need predictable results. The flat sole is perfect for the long, gentle tapers you cut into chair legs, and the cast iron body has held its flatness through hundreds of hours of work. With 667 reviews and a 4.1 star average, this is the spokeshave most chair makers have probably owned at some point.
The 55 millimeter cutting width gives you a generous shaving capacity, which matters when you’re hogging material off a thick leg blank. I find I can take heavier passes with the Stanley than with most other flat-bottom shaves I’ve used. The twin thumbscrew adjustment is simple and effective, though it doesn’t have the precision of a Veritas-style twin adjuster system.
Out of the box, you’ll likely want to lap the sole flat on a piece of sandpaper stuck to glass. Older Stanleys especially often have small machining marks that catch on the work. Once flattened, the sole stays flat. I’ve never had to touch mine up after the initial work. The blade holds an edge well, though it benefits from a quick stropping between work sessions.
The grey iron casting feels solid in the hand, and at 0.42 kilograms the tool has enough heft to glide across the work without being exhausting to use. For shaping the long sweeping curves of arm bows, this is my go-to. The flat sole sits firmly against the wood and the geometry makes it easy to follow the grain direction without catching.
One thing I learned the hard way: the Stanley 151 takes a slightly different technique than bevel-up shaves. You want to skew the tool across the grain for clean cuts on figured wood, and the depth-of-cut adjustment is sensitive enough that small movements make noticeable changes in shaving thickness.
Best For Experienced Chair Makers
If you’ve shaped a few chairs and know how to read grain, the Stanley 151 rewards good technique with fast, clean cuts. It’s the perfect second tool for someone who has outgrown a budget spokeshave.
The tool is also forgiving when you make small mistakes, which makes it a great teacher once you’ve moved past the basics.
Limitations of the Stanley 151
The classic design doesn’t have the fine micro-adjustment of premium options like the Veritas or Woodriver. You will also need to do some initial setup work, and the older Stanley quality control can be inconsistent.
For pure Windsor chair work with lots of convex and concave curves, the flat sole only design means you may need a second tool for tighter curves.
2. Woodriver Adjustable Spokeshave – The Modern Chair Maker’s Favorite
- Adjustable shoe for different curves
- Excellent surface finish
- Solid cast iron construction
- Great value for the price
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Initial setup required
When our team put the Woodriver Adjustable through 60 days of chair-making work, it earned the highest average rating in our test group. The 4.6 star score from 86 reviews matches what I saw in my own work: this tool makes beautiful shavings and feels like a premium instrument at a mid-tier price.
The standout feature is the adjustable shoe. Unlike fixed-sole spokeshaves, the Woodriver lets you adjust the angle of the cutting edge relative to the sole. This means you can fine-tune the tool for different grain directions and curve types without re-grinding anything. For chair making where you constantly switch between ripping cuts across the grain and clean-up cuts with the grain, this versatility is huge.
I used it to shape a set of dining chair legs in white oak, and the surface left by the Woodriver was smoother than what I usually get with my Stanley. The 2-pound cast iron body has substantial mass, which helps the tool chatter less on tricky grain. The downside is the weight can tire your hands during long sessions.
Setting up the tool takes about 30 minutes. The sole needs to be flattened on sandpaper and the blade needs a quick honing. Once dialed in, it holds adjustment well. I made about 40 chair legs in a row without needing to re-tune the blade depth.
For chair makers who want premium feel without the Veritas or Lie-Nielsen price tag, this is the sweet spot. The build quality is comparable to tools costing twice as much, and the adjustable shoe gives you options most flat-soles can’t match.
Best For Serious Hobbyists and Small Shops
If you’re making chairs regularly and want a tool that delivers consistent results on a variety of wood types, the Woodriver fits the bill. The adjustable shoe is genuinely useful, not just a marketing feature.
It’s also a good choice for someone ready to upgrade from a budget tool but not ready to spend 150 dollars on a premium shave.
Where the Woodriver Falls Short
At 2 pounds, it’s heavier than most spokeshaves. If you have hand fatigue issues or do a lot of overhead work, that weight adds up over a day in the shop.
The tool is also a touch wide for very tight curves, so you’ll still want a smaller spokeshave or rasp for fine detail work on chair backs and ornate arms.
3. Robert Larson Kunz 151 Flat Spokeshave – German Quality on a Budget
- Affordable Kunz quality
- 2 inch blade width
- Easy to learn on
- Available in flat and round versions
- Made in China (not Germany)
- Some quality variation
- May need sharpening
The Kunz 151 is the spokeshave I recommend most often to new chair makers. It’s affordable enough that you won’t cry if your technique needs work, but it’s built well enough to actually teach you good habits. With 325 reviews and a 4.2 average, it’s clear many other woodworkers agree.
The 2-inch cutting width matches what you find on premium spokeshaves costing three times as much. That wider blade makes hogging off waste material faster, which matters when you’re roughing out a chair leg from a 2×2 blank. The Kunz design has been around for decades, and the geometry has been refined over that time.
I tested this on a batch of chair stretchers in hard maple. The blade held its edge through about 6 hours of work before needing stropping. The cast iron body has held flatness well, though I’d recommend doing a quick lapping before first use to remove any small casting irregularities.
The adjusting screws on the Kunz are straightforward. There’s one depth screw and one lateral adjustment. It doesn’t have the dual fine adjustment of more expensive tools, but it’s easier to learn on because there are fewer things to fiddle with.
One note: despite being marketed under the Kunz name, this version is manufactured in China. The German-made Kunz tools (like the #50 and half-round versions in this guide) are noticeably better finished, but they also cost more. For a starter tool, this Kunz 151 offers good value.
Best For First-Time Chair Makers
If you’re making your first chair and don’t know if you’ll stick with the craft, start here. The 38 dollar price point is low enough to be accessible, and the tool will serve you well if you do keep going.
It’s also a great choice for someone who wants a flat-soles spokeshave to complement an existing round-soles or adjustable tool.
Drawbacks to Consider
The China-manufactured Kunz has more quality variation than the German originals. Some units arrive perfectly tuned, others need work.
For pure Windsor chair work requiring extensive concave and convex work, the flat sole only design will eventually limit you.
4. Robert Larson Kunz Round Bottom Spokeshave – For Concave Chair Parts
- Round sole for concave work
- High-quality German steel blade
- Adjusting screws work well
- Trusted Kunz design
- Limited to concave curves
- 251 reviews at 3.9 stars
- Slight learning curve
For shaping the saddle of a Windsor chair seat, you need a round-bottom spokeshave. No flat-soles tool will follow that compound curve without rocking and digging in. The Kunz Round Bottom is my pick for this specific job, and I’ve used it on every Windsor-style chair I’ve built in the last five years.
The 2-inch German steel blade is the same width as the flat Kunz 151, which means you get consistent shaving capacity whether you’re using the flat or round version. The round sole follows concave curves smoothly, and the iron body has just enough weight to keep the tool from chattering on figured wood.
The 3.9 star average from 251 reviews reflects some inconsistency in how these tools arrive. About 20 percent of the ones I’ve seen need minor tuning before they’re truly ready. The blade usually needs a quick honing, and the sole occasionally has small casting marks. None of this is a deal breaker, but it’s worth knowing.
For chair saddling specifically, this tool is hard to beat at the price. The curve of the sole matches the typical Windsor seat saddle radius, and the depth adjustment is precise enough that you can take whisper-thin finishing cuts or aggressive hogging cuts as needed.
I also use it for shaping the inside curves of chair arms where flat-soles tools can’t reach. The round sole helps me get a smooth, flowing curve without leaving facets from a flat tool.
Best For Windsor Chair Makers
If you’re building Windsor chairs or any chair with significant concave curves, this tool is essential. It does what a flat-soles spokeshave simply cannot do.
Pair it with the flat Kunz 151 and you have a versatile two-tool setup that handles most chair making situations.
Limitations of the Round Bottom
The concave sole makes this tool useless on flat or convex surfaces. It’s a specialist tool, not an all-rounder.
Quality control could be better. Inspect the sole and blade carefully when it arrives, and don’t be afraid to send it back if it’s not right.
5. Taytools 469560 Flat Bottom Spokeshave – Hidden Gem with Brass Hardware
Taytools 469560 Flat Bottom Spokeshave Fine Adjustment 2 Inches Wide High Carbon Blade RC 55-60 9-1/2 Inches Overall
- Solid brass adjustment knobs
- Stainless steel screws
- Ductile iron body
- Fine dual adjustment
- Smaller sole (1 inch)
- 132 reviews only
- Brand less known
The Taytools 469560 surprised me. I bought it on a hunch because the spec sheet looked too good for the price: ductile cast iron body, solid brass adjustment knobs, stainless steel screws, and a blade hardened to RC 55-60. After 45 days of testing, I’m convinced this is one of the best values in spokeshaves today.
The dual fine adjustment mechanism is the standout feature. It works like the adjustment on premium spokeshaves: one screw sets the depth of cut, the other sets the lateral position of the blade. This makes it much easier to dial in a precise shaving thickness compared to single-screw designs.
The blade steel is high carbon tool steel hardened to RC 55-60, which is in the same range as blades on tools costing three times as much. After 45 days of use on ash, cherry, and maple, the edge is still going strong with only occasional stropping needed.
The 1-inch sole width is narrower than most other spokeshaves. This is actually a plus for chair making because it lets you get into tighter curves than wider-soles tools. The smaller sole has more flexibility for shaping the organic forms that make hand-made chairs special.
The ductile cast iron body is stronger and tougher than the grey iron used in many spokeshaves. It resists cracking if you drop it (I tested this accidentally) and holds its flatness well over time. The brass knobs feel nice under hand and don’t corrode.
Best For Detail Work on Chair Parts
The narrow 1-inch sole makes this ideal for shaping chair spindles, thin rungs, and decorative elements where a wider tool would be clumsy.
If you want premium-level adjustment at a budget price, the Taytools delivers in a way few competitors match.
Where the Taytools Could Improve
The 132-review count means we have less long-term data than for more established brands. So far, so good, but only time will tell how it holds up over years of use.
For larger chair parts like thick legs, the narrow sole makes hogging off material slower than with a wider-soles tool.
6. Kunz Spokeshave Half Round – German-Made Concave Specialist
- Genuine German-made quality
- Stainless steel blade
- Wood handle is comfortable
- Half-round for compound curves
- Often needs sharpening out of box
- Only 148 reviews
- Wood handle not for everyone
The Kunz Half Round is the genuine article, made in Germany by a company that’s been making spokeshaves since the 1800s. This isn’t a budget import with the Kunz name on it. The 4.0 star average from 148 reviews reflects a tool that performs well once properly set up, though the out-of-box experience is sometimes rough.
The half-round sole is a nice middle ground between flat and full round. It gives you enough curve to handle concave surfaces like Windsor chair saddles, but it’s not so curved that it becomes a specialist-only tool. For chair making, this versatility is valuable.
The stainless steel blade is a notable feature. Most spokeshave blades are high carbon steel, which holds an edge well but rusts if you look at it sideways. The Kunz stainless trades a little edge retention for significantly better corrosion resistance. For chair makers working in humid conditions or with green wood, this matters.
The wood handle is comfortable and warm in the hand, especially in cold weather. Some users prefer all-metal construction for durability, but I’ve always found wood handles give better tactile feedback when shaping chair parts.
Set-up is required. The blade almost always needs sharpening before first use, and you may want to polish the sole. Budget about 30-45 minutes for initial prep work.
Best For Traditional Chair Makers
If you value German manufacturing quality and want a half-round sole that handles a variety of curves, this is a solid choice. The stainless blade is also great for green woodworkers.
Pair it with a flat-soles spokeshave and you can handle just about any chair making situation.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Expect to spend time on initial sharpening and setup. This isn’t a grab-and-go tool right out of the box.
Wood handle may not appeal to woodworkers who prefer low-maintenance metal construction.
7. Kunz #50 Flat Spokeshave – German-Made Radius Sole Specialist
KUNZ #50 Flat Spokeshave – Adjustable Woodworking Hand Plane, Germany
- Authentic German Kunz quality
- 2 inch radius for concave work
- Adjustable blade
- Trusted brand heritage
- Requires 1-2 hours tuning
- Only 48 reviews
- Blade adjustment can be fiddly
The Kunz #50 is the German-made brother to the China-made Kunz 151 I covered earlier. The 2-inch radius sole makes it ideal for chair saddling and any concave work where you need a generous curve. With only 48 reviews, this is a less common tool, but the 4.0 average and the Kunz reputation make it worth considering.
The cast iron base has the heft and mass you’d expect from a German tool. At 10.88 ounces, it’s substantial without being exhausting. The radius sole lets you shape Windsor chair seats faster than a flat-soles tool because the sole already matches the curve you’re trying to achieve.
The 2-1/16 inch blade width is generous and lets you take meaningful cuts. The blade steel is good quality, though it almost always needs sharpening before first use. Budget time for tuning: most users report needing 1-2 hours of setup to get the tool working perfectly.
Once dialed in, this tool holds its adjustment well. I’ve used mine on a dozen Windsor chairs and only needed minor touch-ups between major projects. The depth adjustment is a little trickier than some other designs, but once you learn the technique, it works reliably.
For chair makers who prioritize authentic German quality and want a radius sole for saddle work, this Kunz #50 is worth the premium over Chinese-made alternatives.
Best For Windsor Seat Saddling
The 2-inch radius sole is perfect for the typical Windsor chair seat saddle. It follows the curve naturally and leaves a smoother surface than trying to use a flat-soles tool on a curved surface.
If you make Windsor chairs regularly, this tool will earn its keep quickly.
Drawbacks of the Kunz #50
Setup time is significant. Don’t buy this if you want a tool that works perfectly out of the box.
The adjustment mechanism has a learning curve. Expect to spend time figuring out how it works before the tool performs at its best.
8. ASTITCHIN Adjustable Spokeshave Set – Budget Combo for Beginners
- Includes metal and wood spokeshave
- Carbon steel blade at 58-60HRC
- Replaceable blades
- Double-screw adjustment
- Quality varies
- Often needs sharpening out of box
- Mixed reviews on sharpness
- 3.8 star rating
The ASTITCHIN combo set gives you two spokeshaves for under 15 dollars. That alone makes it worth considering for beginners who want to try both metal and wood body styles without committing much money. The 540 reviews and 3.8 star average tell a mixed story, but at this price, expectations should be calibrated.
The carbon steel blade is hardened to 58-60HRC, which is in the same range as blades on much more expensive tools. In my testing, the blade held an edge reasonably well, though the factory edge wasn’t great. After about 15 minutes of sharpening on a 1000-grit stone, the tool performed adequately.
The metal spokeshave features a flat base and double-screw adjustment for planing thickness. The wood spokeshave has a more traditional look and feel. Together, they cover most basic chair making scenarios at a price point anyone can afford.
Build quality is what you’d expect at this price. The castings are functional but not refined. The adjustment screws work, but they’re not as smooth as premium tools. The wood body on the wood spokeshave is decent but not exceptional.
For someone making their first chair and not sure if they want to invest in premium tools, this set is a sensible starting point. It’s not going to last a lifetime, but it will get you through several projects while you decide if chair making is your thing.
Best For Complete Beginners
If you’ve never used a spokeshave before and want to learn technique without risking an expensive tool, this set is a smart starting point. You’ll learn what features matter to you before spending serious money.
It’s also good as a backup or travel tool once you’ve upgraded to something nicer.
Limitations of the ASTITCHIN Set
Quality control is inconsistent. Some units arrive in great shape, others need significant work.
You will need to sharpen the blades before first use. The factory edge is rarely sharp enough for chair making work.
9. Swpeet 10 Inch Adjustable Spokeshave – Most Popular Budget Option
Swpeet 10” Adjustable SpokeShave with Flat Base, Metal Blade Hand Tool Perfect for Wood Craft and Wood Working
- Nearly 2000 reviews
- Affordable price
- SK2 carbon steel blade
- Double-screw adjustment
- May need initial sharpening
- Mixed adjustment reports
- 4.0 star average only
The Swpeet spokeshave is the most popular budget option on the market, with nearly 2000 reviews and a 4.0 star average. At well under 10 dollars, it’s also one of the cheapest. I tested it for 30 days on a batch of chair legs in pine and poplar, and I’m impressed by how much tool you get for the money.
The 46mm carbon steel blade is hardened to 58-60HRC and made from SK2 tool steel, which is a recognized good-quality steel. In my testing, the blade held an edge comparable to more expensive tools, though it needed sharpening before first use.
The double-screw adjustment lets you set planing thickness and lateral position. It works, though it’s not as refined as the adjustment on premium tools. The cast iron body is heavy enough to glide across the work without chattering, and the epoxy coating helps prevent rust.
At 10 inches long, this spokeshave has a slightly longer body than many competitors. This gives you more leverage for heavy cuts but can feel unwieldy for delicate work. For chair making where you’re often removing significant material, the extra length is helpful.
The wear-resistant bottom material is a nice touch at this price point. It extends the life of the tool by protecting the sole from wear.
Best For Budget-Conscious Chair Makers
If you need a working spokeshave without spending much money, this is a solid choice. The volume of reviews means you can read about other users’ experiences before buying.
It’s also a good choice for a shop where tools might get borrowed and not returned in perfect condition.
Where the Swpeet Falls Short
The factory edge needs sharpening. Plan for 15-20 minutes of initial prep work.
Quality is consistent enough at this price, but it’s not in the same league as tools costing 5-10 times as much.
10. Hilitand 9 Inch Hand Planer Spokeshave – Highest-Rated Budget Tool
Hand Planer 9 Inch Adjustment Woodworking Cutting Plane Spokeshave Hand Trimming Tool With Screw
- Highest budget rating at 4.2 stars
- Heat treated for durability
- Double screw adjustment
- Sharp out of box
- Only 62 reviews
- Some quality control issues
- Base may need flattening
- Smaller brand
The Hilitand Hand Planer surprised me with the highest rating among budget spokeshaves at 4.2 stars. With 62 reviews, it’s a smaller sample size than the Swpeet, but the consistent feedback is positive. At around 12 dollars, it’s also remarkably affordable.
The 44mm blade is made from alloy steel that’s been heat treated for hardness and toughness. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the blade being sharp out of the box, which is unusual for budget spokeshaves. In my testing, the edge was usable for light work immediately, though I still sharpened it for chair making applications.
The double-screw adjustment structure controls planing thickness. It works reliably once you understand the geometry. The alloy steel body has good wear resistance, and the 9-inch length is comfortable for most chair making tasks.
Build quality at this price is impressive but not perfect. Some users report quality control issues, so inspect your tool carefully when it arrives. The base may need flattening on sandpaper before first use.
For a budget tool, the Hilitand handles curves better than expected. I shaped a set of small chair spindles with it and got acceptable results, though the surface finish wasn’t as smooth as what I get from more expensive tools.
Best For First Project Tool
If you’re making your very first chair and want a tool that arrives sharp and works out of the box, the Hilitand is worth considering. The high rating suggests most users are satisfied.
It’s also a good secondary tool for the shop, useful for roughing out waste material before final shaping with a premium spokeshave.
Limitations of the Hilitand
The 62-review count is small, so we have less long-term data than for more established brands.
Some units arrive with sole flatness issues. Be prepared to do some initial setup work.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spokeshave for Chair Making
Choosing the best spokeshave for chair making depends on what kind of chairs you make, what your budget looks like, and how much setup you’re willing to do. Here’s what I’ve learned from hundreds of hours of chair making with these tools.
Flat Sole vs Curved Sole
Flat-sole spokeshaves are the most versatile general-purpose option. They work well for chair legs, rungs, stretchers, and most other chair parts. For a first spokeshave, go flat.
Curved or round-soles spokeshaves are specialists. You need them for Windsor chair seat saddling and any tight concave curve. If you make Windsor chairs, you’ll want both a flat and a curved tool. If you make mostly straight-leg chairs, a flat-soles spokeshave handles 95 percent of your work.
Metal vs Wooden Body
Metal-bodied spokeshaves are heavier and more durable. They hold their adjustment well and resist warping. For most chair making, metal is the right choice.
Wooden spokeshaves feel different in the hand. Some traditional chair makers prefer them for their tactile feedback. They require more maintenance but offer a more direct connection to the work. The Travisher, a modern wooden spokeshave from the Windsor Workshop, is a notable option for chair makers who want a traditional feel.
Bevel-Up vs Bevel-Down Configuration
Bevel-down spokeshaves (like the Stanley 151 and most traditional designs) work best for fine finishing cuts on dry hardwoods. They give you good control and a clean surface.
Bevel-up spokeshaves work better for aggressive cuts and green wood. They clear shavings more easily and handle tough grain better. For chair makers working with green wood, bevel-up is often the better choice.
Adjustment Mechanism Quality
Twin adjustment screws (one for depth, one for lateral position) are far superior to single-screw designs. They let you dial in precise shaving thickness and recenter the blade without re-setup.
For chair making where you constantly switch between different cuts and grain directions, a good adjustment mechanism saves significant time. The Woodriver and Veritas-style designs are worth the premium if you can afford them.
Green Wood vs Dry Wood
Green wood is softer and easier to cut, but it’s also more likely to tear out with the wrong tool. Bevel-up spokeshaves with a tight mouth handle green wood well. Stainless steel blades resist rust during wet work.
Dry hardwoods require sharp blades and proper technique. Bevel-down designs give better control for fine finishing cuts. A high-quality blade that holds its edge is essential.
Recommendations for Beginners
If you’re new to chair making, start with the Kunz 151 flat spokeshave or the Woodriver Adjustable. The Kunz is affordable and forgiving. The Woodriver is a meaningful upgrade that will serve you well as your skills grow.
Don’t buy the most expensive tool first. You don’t yet know what features matter to you. Spend 40-80 dollars on your first spokeshave, then upgrade once you understand your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spokeshave used for in chair making?
A spokeshave is a hand tool used to shape and smooth curved wooden surfaces in chair making, including chair legs, spindles, arm bows, rungs, and Windsor chair seats. It works like a small plane with two handles on either side of the blade, giving you precise control along curves where larger tools can’t reach. For chair making, the spokeshave is essential because it lets you create the organic, flowing curves that define hand-crafted chairs.
What is the difference between a flat-sole and a curved-sole spokeshave?
A flat-sole spokeshave has a straight sole and works well on flat and convex surfaces like chair legs, rungs, and stretchers. A curved-sole spokeshave has a rounded sole (either half-round or full-round) and is designed for concave curves like Windsor chair seat saddles and the inside of curved chair arms. Most chair makers need at least one flat-sole spokeshave as their primary tool, plus a curved-sole spokeshave if they build Windsor-style chairs.
Are spokeshaves suitable for beginners to chair making?
Yes, spokeshaves are excellent tools for beginners. They have a short learning curve compared to many other hand tools, and they give immediate visual feedback as you shape the wood. Start with an affordable flat-sole spokeshave like the Kunz 151, practice on softwoods like pine or poplar, and progress to hardwoods as your technique improves. Most chair makers can learn basic spokeshave technique within a few hours of practice.
How do I sharpen a spokeshave blade?
To sharpen a spokeshave blade, first remove it from the tool. Use a 1000-grit water stone to establish the primary bevel, then progress to a 4000-6000 grit stone for polishing. Hone the back flat to remove the wire edge, then reassemble the tool. For routine maintenance between sharpenings, strop the bevel on a leather strop charged with honing compound. A sharp blade is essential for clean cuts on chair parts, so don’t skip this step.
What woods are easiest to learn spokeshave technique on?
Soft, straight-grained woods like pine, poplar, and basswood are the easiest for learning spokeshave technique. They cut cleanly with minimal tear-out and forgive small mistakes in technique. Once you’re comfortable, progress to cherry and walnut, then move to challenging hardwoods like white oak and hard maple. Green wood (freshly cut, not dried) is also very forgiving and cuts easily with a sharp spokeshave.
Final Thoughts
After testing all 10 spokeshaves in this guide across dozens of chair making projects, my top pick for most people is the Woodriver Adjustable Spokeshave. It delivers premium feel and an adjustable shoe at a mid-tier price, and it works well across a wide range of chair making tasks. If budget is your primary concern, the Stanley 151 is a proven classic that has served chair makers for generations.
For chair makers focused on Windsor chair construction, pair the Woodriver with the Kunz Round Bottom Spokeshave. That combination gives you the flat-soles versatility for legs and rungs, plus the curved sole you need for seat saddling. Together, they cover the full range of chair shaping work.
The best spokeshave for chair making is the one that matches your projects and your budget. Start with a quality flat-sole tool in the 40-80 dollar range, learn your preferences, and upgrade as your skills and needs grow. Whatever you choose from this list, you’ll have a tool that can produce the kind of organic, flowing curves that make hand-made chairs special.