The Channel  Knife, or Merknife, is an essential tool in traditional woodworking and log building, specifically designed for carving channels and grooves. It's commonly used for marking out and cutting the deep, narrow channels that are crucial for creating strong joints in log cabin construction.

Hand-forged by master bladesmith Peeter Reeman, this Channel Knife is a serious tool for serious work. We first discovered Peeter's tools through our good friend George Fuller, who used them in all his log-building courses at the Norsk Lafteskole. After using these tools in several of our own log cabin builds, we can personally attest to their exceptional craftsmanship, meticulously researched design, and remarkable edge retention. Each tool crafted by Peeter is a testament to his dedication to the craft and his deep understanding of the needs of timber framers, honed through collaborations with some of Europe and Scandinavia's leading log building schools and companies.

The blade of the Channel Knife is expertly crafted from high-quality spring steel, providing exceptional toughness and edge retention, ensuring precise and reliable performance in work. Edge to edge of the blade is approx 70mm in distance.

Rouge Smithy is the forge behind master blacksmith Peeter Reeman, who has specialised in crafting tools for timber framing for over two decades. Peeter's journey as a blacksmith began in 1990 at the smithy “Three Blacksmiths” in Estonia, where he was mentored by five skilled blacksmiths who guided him on the path to becoming a bladesmith.

Throughout his career, Peeter has honed his craft under the tutelage of master blacksmiths across Europe. He refined his skills in Austria with Master Walfred Huber and in Hungary under the guidance of various local experts. In 1999, Peeter dedicated himself to forging axes and blades, mastering the art of creating tools for timber and log processing. His training culminated in 2001, when he perfected his craft in forging axes and timber tools under the guidance of Halle Groeling in Lillehammer, Norway.

Today, Peeter not only creates exceptional tools but also shares his knowledge with the next generation of blacksmiths as a guest lecturer at Tartu University Viljandi Culture Academy.