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Race knives, 18th - 19th century (wood & metal)
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Race knives, 18th - 19th century (wood & metal)
701083 Race knives, 18th - 19th century (wood & metal) by European; David Russell Collection; (add.info.: The race [or raze] knife in its simplest form consists of a steel blade with the end bent round to form a cutter for gouging out a groove or race in standing timber or on trusses. More elaborate race knives incorporate a spike and a cutter for carving circular grooves. On some there is a second drag-knife for scribing numbers and letters and in the case of 157, 158 and 163, this second cutter is a folding knife. The tool is also known as a scorer, scrieve hook, scriving knife or timber scribe.
157
Beech, wrought iron
English, early 19th century
51/4 in.
The stamps of four members of the Copping family are struck on the handle. A label tied to the folding drag-knife shows that this tool belonged to four generations of the Copping family of Baldock, Hertfordshire.
158
Service-tree, wrought iron
European, dated 1797
65/8 in.
159-60
Horn, cast steel, brass
European, 19th century
159: 5 in.
160: 53/4 in.
On this pair of race knives, the steel head is struck on both sides with a star.
161 (rainette)
Boxwood, cast steel
French, late 18th century
Makers mark: " E. LEVROT" on the handle and " E L" on the head
71/2 in.
162
Beech, cast steel, brass
Probably German, 19th century
Makers mark: " WERMUTH"
77/8 in.
On this race knife the blades are screwed on, presumably so that they can easily be replaced.
163
Beech, wrought iron
European, late 18th century
Stamped " T. SYMONDS"
41/2 in.
); out of copyright
Media ID 22706234
© Bridgeman Images
18th Blade Blades Carpenters Carpentry Collection Craft Crafts Equipment Folding Gouge Implement Knife Knives Scraper Sharp Tool Tools Variety Woodwork Woodworking Gouges Scrapers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a collection of race knives from the 18th and 19th centuries, crafted by European artisans. These remarkable tools were primarily used for gouging out grooves or races in timber or trusses. The simplicity of some race knives is evident in their steel blades with bent ends, while others feature more intricate designs incorporating spikes and circular groove cutters. One particularly fascinating piece is knife number 157, made of beech and wrought iron, which bears the stamped marks of four generations belonging to the Copping family from Baldock, Hertfordshire. Its folding drag-knife reveals a rich history passed down through this lineage. Another noteworthy item is knife number 161 (rainette), constructed from boxwood and cast steel. This French-made race knife boasts maker's marks "E. LEVROT" on the handle and "E L" on the head, adding an extra layer of authenticity to its late 18th-century origins. The diversity within this collection extends to materials such as horn, cast steel, brass, and even service-tree wood. Each unique piece tells a story through its craftsmanship and individual markings. These race knives not only serve as functional tools but also represent a significant part of woodworking history. They are reminders of the skillful hands that shaped our architectural landscapes during this era.
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