Tried a standard hoof knife versus a curved blade for a nasty underrun heel, and the difference was huge.

Working on a draft cross with some serious heel contraction. My go-to straight knife just wasn't getting the right angle to clean out the bar and seat of the heel without feeling like I was digging. Switched to a curved blade I'd had for a while but never really used, and it followed the contour perfectly. One clean scoop versus like five awkward jabs. What's your preferred blade shape for that kind of work? Or is it more about the grind?

3 comments

3 Comments

stella2227d ago

Ever read that old article from the Hoofcare Journal about blade geometry? They made a good point that a curved blade isn't just for looks, it changes the pivot point. Your straight knife was probably hitting the wall of the heel before the edge could get under the bar. The curve lets you roll it in there. I'm totally with you, I keep a super curved knife just for that job now.

shanew5927d ago

Totally get it, that curved blade makes all the difference. I had the same fight with a straight knife on a bad quarter crack last month, just couldn't get in there right. @stella22 is spot on about the pivot point, it's a totally different feel. The curve just lets the tool do the work instead of forcing it. My old straight knife is pretty much just for opening feed bags now.

mason_reed4727d ago

@shanew59 has it right about the tool doing the work. That curve just follows the foot's shape so you're not fighting it. A straight blade can slip or dig in when you're trying to get up under there. It's all about matching the tool to the job, and a nasty heel needs that specific shape. My curved knife is the only thing that feels safe and controlled on a bad underrun heel.