Billhooks

A billhook is a traditional hand tool consisting of a short, stout blade that curves into a hooked point, mounted on a handle. The blade is single-edged and broad, typically about 15–25 cm long, with the cutting edge on the inside of the curve and a thick back for strength. The hooked tip is designed to snag, pull, and brace wood or brush, while the rest of the edge provides pruning and light chopping capability.

Uses of the billhook include hedge laying, coppicing, pruning, brush clearing, and other woodland tasks. The hook allows the user to pull branches into position and make efficient cuts in dense growth, often performing multiple functions with one tool. The design emphasizes leverage and control, enabling work in confined or rugged terrain.

There are regional variants, notably the English billhook and other continental forms, which differ in blade curvature, length, and handle style. Across regions, the basic concept remains the same: a sturdy, single-edged blade with a hooked tip for cutting and pulling tasks in woodlands and hedges.

Historically, billhooks were common in Europe from the Middle Ages onward, used by peasants, foresters, and hedge workers. They were typically forged by local blacksmiths and adapted to regional needs and materials. In modern times, they remain in use among hedge layers, coppice workers, and woodworkers, though often alongside powered tools.

Contemporary billhooks are manufactured with various blade steels and handle materials, including wood, fiberglass, or composite cores, and may feature protective scabbards or grips to enhance safety during storage and transport.