Woodsmith is proud to have collaborated with Ray Iles in developing the Ray Iles Newtown Billhook, a superior coppicing tool crafted in the UK. This Newtown pattern billhook is designed for efficiency and balance, making it ideal for cutting through coppice rods like willow and hazel. Its long, gently convex equal bevels and high carbon steel construction ensure the tool maintains an exceptional edge.
The caulked ash handle allows for a twisting action, facilitating the cleaving of small rods. This versatility makes the Ray Iles Newtown Billhook an indispensable tool across various traditional practices, including coppicing, hedge laying, and hurdle making.
We've worked over several prototypes to define the balance and weight of this tool, and both Maurice and Izzy have tested the final product over several days of coppicing.
Please note, these billhooks come with a factory grind and will require a final hone before use. If you'd like us to hone us in the workshop before we send out to you - please tick the 'add honing' box.
Product Details:- Blade Length: 210mm
- Overall Length: 380mm
- Weight: Approx 650g
- Edge Protection: Standard sheath with poppers and belt sheath both available
About Ray Iles:
Specialising in 'no-nonsense' tools, British toolmaker Ray Iles is an stalwart amongst the green woodworking community, producing well-made and affordable tools that with proper care will last a lifetime. Ray Iles is the eldest son of Ashley Iles (of edge tools fame). Both Ashley Iles and Ray were trained in the individual trades of toolmaking (forging, grinding, handle making, etc.) by the
little mesters of Sheffield in the 1950’s. Secrets that had been jealously guarded for generations were freely passed on to prevent them from being lost forever.
The Ashley Iles family and business moved to Lincolnshire where they have perpetuated toolmaking in the old tradition ever since. Ray set up his own business about 30 years ago and now produces a range of exceptional green woodworking tools. His tools perfectly compliment the carving and turning tools produced by his brother Tony at Ashley Iles (Edge Tools)
We carry a wide selection of commonly used greenwood tools produced by Ray Iles at Woodsmith and have worked with Ray in developing the prototypes of several of his tools; please note most tools come with a factory grind and will need a final hone before use.
