Editing Drawknife (section)

=== Straight cuts ===
One works from the centre of the piece to the end, ''not'' the entire length all at once. The operator then reverses the piece in the shaving horse or [[vise]] and works from near centre to trim the "fatter" end to match the centre and just finished original "skinny" end. Final work can be done by spokeshave, sanding block or lathe.<ref name="American Woodworker-1995" />

*When operated conventionally, that is, with the blade ''bevel-side upward'', the drawknife takes deeper cuts and some [[novice]]s may find it has a tendency to "dive" (cut unintentionally deep).
*When operated ''bevel-side down'', there is the advantage of removing less stock, but the blade dulls more rapidly, requiring frequent [[honing (metalworking)|honing]].