Billhooks

Typically used to harvest small diameter rods and poles from coppiced stools such as hazel and willow. 

A billhook is normally used single handed allowing the other hand to lay down the piece being cut, of course making sure the hand is well out of the way!

Other work undertaken by a billhook is hedgelaying, snedding rods, pointing stakes and riving.

Billhooks are a traditional forestry tool going back many centuries. Designs evolved from small blacksmith’s shops all around the country, these are what we now refer to as regional styles.

Up until the middle of 2022, Morris & Sons of Dunsford were almost the sole production makers of genuinely hand forged billhooks using high carbon Sheffield steel in the UK.  Also the only makers producing a wide range of regional styles.

However, Richard Morris has finally decided to retire so once our stock of Morris billhooks, slashers and peelers have gone, that's it, gone.

As a fitting end to an era, we have decided to sell all remaining stock with a Woodsmith grind/sharpen and a custom made leather sheath.

We have worked with Richard for more than 20 years and it been a pleasure knowing him.  We wish him the very best in retirement.