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Sean Hellman Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices

Sean Hellman

Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices

  • Book of plans and techniques
  • Multiple shaving horse designs
  • Green woodworking focus
  • Diagrams and build guidance
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On this page

Is the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices ranks #7 in our Best Drawknife 2026 list (best shaving horse). Its biggest strength: covers several shaving horse designs so a builder can pick the one that fits their bench and body size. The main caveat: a book, not a physical tool -- still requires lumber and build time to get a working shaving horse.

Overview

What the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices does well

Best shaving horse reference. The highlights are covers several shaving horse designs so a builder can pick the one that fits their bench and body size and diagrams and cut lists make it practical to shop-build a shaving horse from dimensional lumber. One caveat, a book, not a physical tool -- still requires lumber and build time to get a working shaving horse.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • Book of plans and techniques
  • Multiple shaving horse designs
  • Green woodworking focus
  • Diagrams and build guidance
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Covers several shaving horse designs so a builder can pick the one that fits their bench and body size
  • Diagrams and cut lists make it practical to shop-build a shaving horse from dimensional lumber
  • A shaving horse is the correct workholding for all drawknife and spokeshave work -- hands-free clamping via a foot pedal
  • Written specifically for green woodworking, not general woodshop furniture building

Cons

  • A book, not a physical tool -- still requires lumber and build time to get a working shaving horse
  • Some designs assume access to a pole lathe or similar green woodworking setup
Fit check

Should you buy the Shaving Horses?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • A book, not a physical tool -- still requires lumber and build time to get a working shaving horse
  • Some designs assume access to a pole lathe or similar green woodworking setup
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Drawknife 2026· Best Shaving Horse#7 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices

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

Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices: common questions

Is the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices ranks #7 in our Best Drawknife 2026 list (best shaving horse). Its biggest strength: covers several shaving horse designs so a builder can pick the one that fits their bench and body size. The main caveat: a book, not a physical tool -- still requires lumber and build time to get a working shaving horse.

What are the downsides of the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: a book, not a physical tool -- still requires lumber and build time to get a working shaving horse; some designs assume access to a pole lathe or similar green woodworking setup.

What are the key features of the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices?

Book of plans and techniques, Multiple shaving horse designs, Green woodworking focus and Diagrams and build guidance.

What are the best alternatives to the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices?

Worth comparing: Morakniv Wood Carving Hook Knife 164, Koch Industries 10-Inch Drawknife and Two Cherries 500-2210 Inshave for Rough Shaping. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Shaving Horses, Lap Shaves and Other Woodland Vices?

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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