Billhooks

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.

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.

In the UK, Morris & Sons of Dunsford are almost the sole makers of genuinely hand forged billhooks using high carbon Sheffield steel. Also the only makers producing a wide range of regional styles.