Alan's favorite sized skew designed and produced by Alan himself. Made from powdered metal M4 high speed steel with a choice of handles, triple tempered and cryogenic treated (minus 310 F, followed by another heat treat). Made from U.S steel, milled in MN, final shaping by belt grinding  by Alan, off to the heat-treater in WI, back to Alan for final belt grinding and edge creation.  It comes "scary sharp" and ready to put to wood.  This is the closest thing to a "handmade tool" on the market today.

This is the dream skew I have worked on for several years. It has the look and feel of older skews that were drawn-out from hot metal to produce a rigid, heavy tool but with a taper to the edge. These are milled to produce that effect: a strong and rigid backbone to the skew but better balance than if the same thickness throughout. The thickest area is 1/2" at the handle end tapering to around 5/16" at the edge. The edge shape is one that I have popularized that I find quite versatile over a traditional grind. The steel is my personal favorite--great edge holding properties and one that responds quickly to honing with diamond. The steel is a true high speed steel, powdered metal made in the U.S., triple tempered with a cryogenic treatment between the first and second tempers. I personally turn each handle, fix the steel into the handle and produce a "wicked sharp edge" to the tool. Comes with a solid stainless steel ferrule. This tool comes ready to put onto wood--something very rare when purchasing tools. This skew is now offered in  Osage orange. and in Florida rosewood. (yes, it is a true rosewood, Indian rosewood planted in Florida!).   

As with all skews, do not use for your face-grain bowl turning.

NOTE:  PLEASE ALLOW UP TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE SHIPPING AS I USE AIR DRIED WOOD (roughed, finished turned, drilled, two-day rest period, redrill, mount the steel).