I have a pair of heel shaves made by Snell & Atherton in the late 19th or early 20th century. These were leatherworking tools but woodworkers have found a use for them.
About Heel Shaves
A heel shave is a type of spokeshave used primarily in the shoe manufacturing industry.
It resembles a small, curved plane with a concave blade.
The purpose of a heel shave is to shape and smooth the curved surfaces of wooden shoe heels.
Snell & Atherton manufactured heel shaves from the mid-19th century.
These tools were made from cast iron, with a steel cutter.
The company first patented their heel shaves in 1858 (patent number #20960) and a further patent in 1880 (#223583).
While originally designed for leather trimming, these heel shaves have found a home in woodworking, especially for shaping chair seats and other curved surfaces.
About Snell & Atherton
The company was founded by Varanus Snell in the mid-19th century. Snell was born in 1823 and worked as a bookmaker for 9 years after he finished school. He transitioned to making hand tools for shoe and boot makers.
In 1853, Snell partnered with Lemuel Atherton, and together they established Snell & Atherton. Atherton died in 1860 and was succeeded in the business by his son. However, he died in 1867 and Snell continued as sole proprietor until his retirement in 1907. The firm was then incorporated as Snell & Atherton Inc.. I haven’t been able to find out when they stopped trading.
The company specialized in crafting tools used in leatherworking and woodworking.
My Heel Shaves
As far as I can tell , my heel shaves are made to the 1880 patent design. This design included an easily replaceable blade.
They carry the ‘Snell & Atherton’ round logo, so were made before the retirement of Snell.
My shaves carry the model designations ‘OED 5’ and ‘OED 7″. Apparently there were at least 7 models numbered 1 to 7 with the radius decreasing as the number increased. The ‘OED’ is in recognition of Oscar E. Dunham who was responsible for the easily replaceable blade design.
While these shaves were made for leatherwork, it seems that woodworkers have embraced them as a form of travisher for carving concave surfaces such as chair seats.
Hi dear,
Nice tools Do sell one of them no5? If do I will buy for chair seat carving
Sorry – but at this stage I am not selling from my collection.
Varanus Snell was my great grandfather. His home was as I recall on 960 North Main st in Brockton. His daughter Ruth Snell was my grandmother.
Interesting – thanks for the comment Steve. I hope I have done justice to your family’s legacy.