Clifton 650 Curved Sole Spokeshave Thomas Flinn

Clifton 650 Curved Sole Spokeshave Thomas Flinn

The Clifton 650 Spokeshave is a tool made by Thomas Flinn & Co, a British company with over a century of craft tradition to back it up. Its curved sole, with a 125mm radius, is designed specifically for concave surfaces: it follows the curve of the wood and glides comfortably where a flat sole simply cannot make contact. It is the natural companion to the Clifton 600 flat sole — together they cover any shaping task.

In lutherie, the curved sole spokeshave is the tool for the internal and concave areas of the instrument: the neck-to-headstock transition, heel transitions, interior curves of the top, or any area where a flat sole loses contact with the wood. The curved sole also allows subtle adjustments to the depth of cut simply by tilting the tool forward or back, giving extra control over the thickness of the shaving. The fine depth adjustment completes a precise and highly adaptable cutting system.

The body is made from spheroidal graphite malleable iron, virtually unbreakable, with surfaces finished and hand-buffed for maximum comfort in the hand. The weight and balance of the tool allow it to sit on the wood with a simple stroking action, without forcing the cut. The cryogenically treated O1 steel blade ensures a durable and consistent edge across all timber types.

A tool that does the work itself when properly sharpened.

Technical Specifications

• Weight: 499 g
• Length: 245 mm
• Sole type: curved (125 mm radius)
• Cutter width: 50 mm (2")
• Blade bedding angle: 45°
• Blade material: cryogenically treated O1 steel
• Blade hardness: 59-61 Rockwell C
• Body material: spheroidal graphite malleable iron (virtually unbreakable)