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Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave

Kunz

Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave

  • German made
  • 17.75-inch length
  • Steel blade
  • Large-format body
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On this page

Is the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave ranks #7 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list (best german). Its biggest strength: kunz is the German maker that produces professional-grade cast hand tools. The main caveat: less adjustment precision than dual-adjuster designs from boutique makers.

Overview

What the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave does well

Best German spokeshave. 75 inches for wide, gradual curves and timber-frame work. Keep in mind that less adjustment precision than dual-adjuster designs from boutique makers.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • German made
  • 17.75-inch length
  • Steel blade
  • Large-format body
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Kunz is the German maker that produces professional-grade cast hand tools
  • The largest spokeshave in the Kunz line -- 17.75 inches for wide, gradual curves and timber-frame work
  • German-made quality -- consistently better than basic new-production alternatives
  • Correct for woodworkers who prefer European tool brands and need extra sole length

Cons

  • Less adjustment precision than dual-adjuster designs from boutique makers
  • Its large size makes it less useful for tight curves like chair spindles
Fit check

Should you buy the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Less adjustment precision than dual-adjuster designs from boutique makers
  • Its large size makes it less useful for tight curves like chair spindles
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Spokeshave 2026· Best German#7 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave: common questions

Is the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave ranks #7 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list (best german). Its biggest strength: kunz is the German maker that produces professional-grade cast hand tools. The main caveat: less adjustment precision than dual-adjuster designs from boutique makers.

What are the downsides of the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: less adjustment precision than dual-adjuster designs from boutique makers; its large size makes it less useful for tight curves like chair spindles.

What are the key features of the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave?

German made, 17.75-inch length, Steel blade and Large-format body.

What are the best alternatives to the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave?

Worth comparing: Robert Larson Kunz 151 Flat Spokeshave, Robert Larson Kunz Round Bottom Spokeshave and Kunz 51A Spokeshave with Iron Vernier Adjustment. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Kunz No. 56 Cooper's Spokeshave?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

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