Lie-Nielsen Langsner Froe

Froes are L-shaped tools used in combination with mallets and wedges to rive green wood along the grain with more precision and finesse than an axe or maul. They are used to make planks, chair parts, tool handles, shingles, basket splints, blanks for spoon carving, and more. The Lie-Nielsen froe is designed by green wood riving expert Drew Langsner, who after decades of splitting and riving stock redesigned this traditional tool with several key improvements.

The blade width is less than on most antique examples, for improved leverage relative to handle length. The blade thickness is 3/8" for adequate strength, and the bevel angle of 30° is ideal for both soft and hard woods.

Common froes were typically made from one piece of steel, bent into a loop at one end to form a ferrule for the handle, but the uneven ferrule made it difficult to secure a handle that wouldn't work loose over time. Lie-Nielsen froe blades are welded to a cylindrical ferrule and have a tight-fitting turned handle secured with a stepped washer and large lag screw. The blade is finished in a tough baked black powder coat, and the handle is kiln-dried hard maple.

Specifications:
Blade 3/8" thick x 1-1/2" wide x 12" long
Handle overall length 17-1/2"
Weight 2.75 lbs