Stanley No.75 spoke shave

k p · Sep 22, 2022

Hi folks, I picked up this Stanley no. 75 spoke shave from a local antique store. I saw it in their cabinet and thought this would be a great tool for shaping new axe and hammer handles. It looks pretty clean already, just needs a light clean up to remove the rust and probably a good sharpening.

I can't seem to find anything online about this particular model, except for one listing in Australia where they're trying to sell one for $250aud (yikes!). If anyone has any information on this little guy I'd sure be appreciative!

RTM · Sep 22, 2022

Nice score. I've never seen one. The patent was by the prolific J Traut, holder of many Stanley patents.

US Patent: 668,299 - Spokeshave

US patent 668,299 Spokeshave was issued to Justus A. Traut of New Britain, CT. It was granted on 02/19/1901. According to John Walter's book this patent was used on the following Stanley Spokeshaves: #72, 73, 75, 76, 81, 82, 84 and 85.

datamp.org

I have a #85, also in the Razor Edge family, and much rarer than the 50 & 60 series shaves. Also a bit trickier to use than the 50 & 60s. I have several other "low angle" spokeshaves in wood bodies. Don't recall if I ever used mine for anything besides playing around so far. (I've only had it 2 years, can't rush things.)

My John Walter book says 1905 - 1917, the patent is for the adjustable throat, and a 1/3/1905 for construction and adjustment ( ignore comment, it goes w previous patent)

US Patent: 778,922 - Cutter Fastening for Spokeshaves

US patent 778,922 Cutter Fastening for Spokeshaves was issued to Justus A. Traut of New Britain, CT. It was granted on 01/03/1905. A flange on the skate has keyholes to allow a sole to be removeably attached. Not known to have been produced.

datamp.org

Uses says (probably copied from a catalog of the era): Made so that the cutter can be sharpened to a very keen cutting edge. The adjustable mouth can be set for a very fine cut. This tool is a joy to use and is very handy for flat and convex work in restricted areas. (So maybe not the best for hogging off material on a handle, but more for a finishing cut)

Here is a catalog cut or two