Reviews
Froe
Nov 3, 2018
I did not find the froe to be an effective tool to split kindling; I think that I had a good hard wood. The tool that worked the way I expected it was the kindling cracker. It was easy, quick and effective. I would use the froe only after I cut a piece of wood with the kindling cracker to get much smaller pieces. I recommend that you put your money in the cracker first.
Works well for many many years
Mar 1, 2017
I bought my froe as a souvenir when we stopped at Lehman's traveling east to NYC. That was about 20 years ago. It has been a good and faithful that I use to split kindling. Showed it to a neighbor and let him split some. I think you can expect an order after he tries the hatchet. Hope he still has all his fingers.
Save your money
Dec 30, 2016
Bought this for my wife who happens to love making kindling. Huge disappointment. Tried it on paper birch, then on black cherry, then on white ash. The blade won't even begin to dig into the wood. I'm using a mallet that is twice the weight of the mallet Lehman's recommends. Hopefully you'll read the reviews before purchasing.
Lehman's says: Our sincere apologies. We are currently looking into this issue and appreciate you taking the time to let us know. Please give us a call, so we can make it right: 1-800-438-5346.
Junk
Dec 27, 2016
I received this froe as a gift. It is constructed from two pieces that are poorly welded together. The handle is undersized, and the froe will come off of it even after setting it. Do not waste your money.
Lehman's says: Thank you for letting us know. Please give us a call at 1-800-438-5346, so we can make it right.
Hmm, it was a gift
Nov 12, 2016
Glad to see others weren't happy. Mine, the steel was too soft, I used a dogwood maul and it put dents all across the top.
I recommend buying an old one, I got one for thirteen bucks at an antique mall...
Lehman's says: Thanks for letting us know. We're so sorry for your experience, and we are looking into the issue. Please give us a call right away, so we can make this right: 1-800-438-5346.
VERY poor weld
Oct 20, 2016
I had the same issue as another reviewer. This is two pieces, welded poorly. One season later - broke cleanly down the weld. They got nearly no penetration on this weld. This is a $10 tool, as it's good for maybe a single season. I would not even hit it with wood. Maybe a plastic mallet.
Lehman's says: We're so sorry for your experience and are looking into this issue. Please give us a call, so we can make it right: 1-800-438-5346.
Great Tool
Oct 19, 2016
Well made tool for a great price. Boxes of kindling made on short time using the froe
Have no complaints
Oct 9, 2016
after seeing all the negative reviews.. I swear those have no experiences..
Firstly, froe is not a cutting tool, does not need to be sharp as butcher knife..
What I did is remove the hollow ground, and convert it to convex edge, it suppose to work like a splitting maul.
I also sanded the finish off the end where its fits into eye of froe..
Froe work best on green to semi green (unseasoned) wood..
I have no complaint..
BAD!!!
Jul 27, 2016
This tool doesn't work! The cutting edge is too steep. Look at the old ones, they are tapered to an edge.
When you try to drive it into wood, it just bounces out. I bought with Lehman's expectations. too bad.
Lehman's says: We're so sorry for your experience. Please give us a call, so we can make it right: 1-800-438-5346.
May 12, 2015
ZERO QUALITY DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY! I would have rated it a negative five if possible. Froe itself is two pieces welded together, not one solid piece. The weld is the worst I've ever seen - rusted under and around the weld joints on both sides where it attaches to the ring - in addition to nearly a quarter inch gap between the weld and the metal ring in spots! (For those with welding knowledge, weld shows sluggish puddle, no control, discoloration, too much heat, no prep.) I wouldn't try to split butter with this thing. Also, comes with handle but no metal wedge to attach it. Clearly, this was hand packed - and this defect is very obvious - it should have never left the factory. I expected more of Lehman's - my first order is also now my last.
Feb 7, 2015
A handsome tool at a handsome price. I've never had or used a froe before and am looking forward to trying it later today. I bought it for making kindling. Seemed the best tool for the job.
Apr 28, 2014
A well made tool at a terrific price. I'm glad I didn't buy a recycled antique.
Apr 28, 2014
A well made tool at a terrific price. I'm glad I didn't buy a recycled antique.
Jan 22, 2014
The two froes I purchased were an OK buy. The ones I received ARE NOT the one pictured. I received froes that were a two piece design with the blade welded to what appears to be a steel pipe fitting. The welding on one froe was decent while the other was very poor quality. I expected what was advertised, but did not receive such. They both work for their intended purposes, but the quality was not what I expected. I had seen other froes such as the ones I received and passed on purchasing them as I did not like the design. Since they do work, I decided to keep them instead of dealing with the hassle of returning them. Buyer beware however, as the froe you receive may not be the one advertised on this site.
Sep 25, 2013
I left an earlier review but it doesn't seem to have been posted. The froe blade is really nice looking. The metal seems to be high quality. The froe handle is nice looking. Good hardwood. How the pieces go together? Well, it sorta make this froe suck. I seated the handle correctly...and when you hit the blade with a mallet the handle comes loose in the receiver and you have to take it out and reseat it. Maybe whoever turned my handle didn't put a good enough taper on it. So luckily I have a lathe and will make myself a new handle.... but I'm a little ticked off that I have to go to this trouble.
Sep 25, 2013
Lehman's service was great. The product was delivered in a timely fashion. The blade is really good metal and the edge on it is well ground and well honed. The handle is smooth hardwood, as promised. BUT... The handle, while smooth, will not stay in the froe blade. I've done everything I ought to have done: put the handle through the receiver on the blade, and pounded the handle on a chopping block using the weight of the blade to seat the blade on the handle's taper---the same method you'd use to seat a hammer or axe head on a handle. Thank goodness I have a lathe and can turn myself a new handle or I'd be returning this froe. Lehman's folks, if you're reading this, I suggest you ship a pack of shims or wedges with the froe to insert in the receiver once the handle is in place, like one might see on an axe But as is? Not too cool.
Jul 10, 2012
Very impressed with the speed of the order and it's receipt--- the froe is well-made and has a nice hickory handle. The handle is unfinished but that's no big deal, just add a little boiled linseed oil and you're good to go. The most impressive part of the whole deal is the price. Best price I've found. Anywhere. Would I recommend this to a friend? Already have and will continue to tout Lehman's. As Arnold would say, I will be back!
May 8, 2012
Terrific product and value. I was pleasantly surprised with this product. Additionally, the folks at Lehman's are great to deal with.
Feb 23, 2012
Great tool for splitting kindling
Feb 10, 2012
The froe itself is very nice. So far, all i have split is dry oak firewood-very hard! I'm sure, when used as directed, on green wood, it will work like a charm. I feel the handle is a bit small. The handle and shipping are the only things keeping me from giving it a 5. UPS drop shipped this to my local post office - where it got lost and took another week to deliver. I have to say, costomer service got right on it tho! For the amount I payed for shipping, I would't expect corners to be cut.
Jul 15, 2011
This is a very nice froe. The hole for the handle is cylindrical so you can buy or turn another one if this one breaks. The edge is thin enough to start the split pretty easy. If you are riving for shingles, chair posts and rungs, or anything else for that matter, this froe works great. Highly recommended.
Jun 9, 2011
Was very disappointed at the quality of the product. Would have expect much higher standards from a multi generational family run company.
Jun 3, 2011
It's so nice to have a new, sharp, straight froe. I've been working with antiques for so long that I've forgotten how thin & straight a clapboard, strake or billet one can split.
Dec 20, 2010
Was bought for a friend making his own shake shingles, gave it to him early for Christmas, great tool, he loves it. built to last.
Jul 8, 2010
I've only used my froe a little, so far, it works great and it's built to last a lifetime, or two. Thanks!
Mar 26, 2010
Hi Folks - I just this evening received the Froe and immediately put it to work making pegs for a timberframe building. The froe works beautifully and it has a very nice heft and feel. I roughed out about 30 pegs 1-inch X 1-inch in a few minutes.
Jan 1, 2010
This is a really good froe. It is very plain and the handle is unfinished. If I were comparing it to froes from woodqorking specialty stores, I might only give it 3 or 4 lamps. But those froes cost twice as much, so I am giving it the full 5. It is a user tool, not a show piece.
Dec 8, 2009
I've read all about froes. They can make wooden planks from logs. Boards cost a lot if you buy them, but I read you can make boards without sawing with it, costs nothing if you have trees.I'm making a 7' square, 3' high tomato planter box. Boards don't need to be perfect.
