I’ve had an ongoing project to build a timber frame lumber storage shed for a while now. The foundation is done and the next step is to finalize the drawings for the frame so I can finally start cutting some joints.

I’ve been slowly collecting the tools I’ll need for the job and a good timber framing slick was one of the essentials. I found a few makers of new versions that were beautiful, but out of my price range. Even older models were a bit steep until I found the perfect 3 inch wide antique beauty I was looking for – minus the handle.

For anyone unfamiliar with the term, a “slick” is nothing more than a large chisel. The blades usually fall into the range of two to four inches in width. They’re heavy, long, and usually sport a socket handle. Some of these tools can easily reach two feet in length.

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Since I’ve been on a bit of a chisel handle making kick lately anyway, I thought it would be fun to make a handle for the slick as well. After a little research, this is the design I came up with. It’s based on a few different antique versions I found, but is slightly larger at the smallest diameter of the handle. The last three inches with the socket dimensions will differ depending on the specific slick you have. After I spend some time sharpening the edge, it’ll be time to make a leather tip guard to protect it.