torstai 27. joulukuuta 2012

Woodsworking tools: billhook (vesuri in finnish)

Billhook is traditional clearing tool in Finland and typical model have around 20cm blade which ends into hook that works also like small scythe (pull cut). Mostly I use that hook for moving cut branches away and it also protects blade when you cut near ground (hook hits ground when blade is untouched).
There´s one and two handled model and it´s very handy for clearing saplings and even small trees aswell as general purpose bladed tool for all kind of heavy woodcutting. Novadays Fiskars made some 95% of billhooks in Finland and it´s modern glassfibrereinforced plastic handled with teflon coated blade. It´s great and strong tool, but not so traditional. There´s still makers of traditional billhooks and here are few:
Härmän Taonta
YP-taonta
Metallituote Saarela Oy

You can also find often very good old handforged billhooks from fleamarkets, huuto.net (like ebay). Here´s one I just got for 15€:
Seller said that it´s from 1930-1940 and maker unknown. Overall length is 55cm and cutting edge around 23cm, blade 5mm thick. It´s little heavier side and can be used one or two handed (barely). Blade is very good condition and ready to work. Handle is roughly carved (replacement I think) and have bit leuku like poll. It´s attached into blade with two flathead screws. I think I´m going to make new bit longer handle at some point. Tip: Billhooks could be very good low cost alternative for heavy leuku when you just cut hook off to get like sheepfoot style tip. (it´s known to be used like that among reindeer herders of Lappland, where axe have mostly no use cause there´s no big trees).

14 kommenttia:

  1. Wow I didnt know the cut off tip-trick :)

    VastaaPoista
  2. Nice old vesuri!

    For some reason, I have a strange feeling that I read an article about old vesuris somewhere else recently... ;)

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. First I didn't know what you mean with that, but now I found it out. What a coincidence :)

      Poista
  3. hmm,,, Is Vesuri coming up on boom?? I may need to catch up:)

    somehow around me, finding good condition of old vesuri is difficult. often not in good enough condition or over priced.

    the cutting the tip off might be a good option and I did not know that was used among reindeer herders. Thanks for sharing!

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. I don´t know if there´s any boom on those :) I just happened to find good and old vesuri for sale nearby me and got idea to write about it a bit.
      It´s actually quite unique tool used just in Finland (maybe sweden also, not sure) There´s billhooks also in europe but mostly made lighter for light pruning / gardening, not serious forestwork like finnish billhooks.

      Poista
    2. There is very similar one used in Japanese forestry. it is used for forest maintenance and is called Kama Nata (sickle Nata).
      the length of blade and handle varies by the region.
      https://www.google.com/search?q=%E9%8E%8C%E9%89%88&hl=ja&safe=off&sa=X&tbo=u&authuser=0&tbm=isch&source=univ&ei=TpnuUJyIAe3RiALUbw&ved=0CD0QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=886

      Poista
    3. Yes kama nata looks like finnish vesuri. How strong (thick) is it´s blade normally and is it sharpened on both sides?
      Many so called billhooks are more used on gardening more than tough forestwork where vesuri´s are aimed.

      You have one japanese version?

      Poista
  4. Hey have you noticed that YOU ARE STILL TAGGED:
    http://perkelesblog.blogspot.fi/2012/11/three-favourite-items-got-tagged-by.html

    VastaaPoista
  5. Everyone else who go tagged, have made their own 3 fav´s already, dude ;)

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. Shame on me that I´m so slow :( It´s coming on this week I promise...

      Poista
  6. Have a look at wwww.billhooks.co.uk (or http://billhooks.co.uk/the-billhooks-of-northern-europe/) - I would like to buy some old examples of Finnish vesuri for my collection - problem is postage costs too much!!!! Will settle for good images.... Please do not cut off the hooks - straight bladed ones seem as common as those with a hook at the end...

    VastaaPoista
    Vastaukset
    1. Hi Robert!
      Postages to GB is not that much maybe like 20£. If you want I can help you to find good example of finnish vesuri.
      This for example looks good: "http://www.huuto.net/kohteet/vesuri-vintage/255327569"

      I checked that website. A lot of very good information about billhooks, have to check more carefully later!

      Poista
    2. Hi Finnman
      Thanks for the message - sorry for the delay in responding, but I have only just found it. 20 euros is still too much for a single vesuri that may only cost 10 to 15 euros, but maybe a package of 4 or 5 would be more economical. Please contact me via my website, and maybe we can work something out. But currently lack of cash prevents any purchases as I am buying some from Bulgaria this month.

      Poista