The difference between a tablesaw splitter and a riving knife is that splitters are stationary and riving knives move in unison with the blade. This action greatly reduces the chance of kickback.

In this video, Fine Woodworking shop manager John White details the difference between the two tablesaw safety devices and demostrates how they operate.

Common in Europe, the riving knife has just recently become a fixture on American-style tablesaws. The SawStop and the Powermatic 2000 are the first to include it as a stock feature. A few portable tablesaws are the exception to the rule. Ryobi’s BT3100 features a blade-guard assembly that operates like a riving knife.

-Published 5/19/2006