I think some variation existed on the blades. When I was a youngster the HBC still sold some and if I recall the blade was about 4" long, sharpened on one side like a draw knife, and the very tip curved at about a 1/4 bend. You could use it for a draw knife, spoke shave, gouge. They were used on green wood to the best of my knowledge- canoe paddles, snowshoe frames, ribs on canoes, a variety of things. I made one that worked pretty good. The HBC ones were blade only- you put on your own handle.
I'm not sure how far back they date, they may or may not be pre-1840 and they might be more regional- that is Canadian far north.
I'm not sure how far back they date, they may or may not be pre-1840 and they might be more regional- that is Canadian far north.
