Froe

The froe is one of the simplest tools used on the farm. The blade is not very sharp, hence the saying "dull as a froe." The froe is primarily used to split wooden shingles used on log houses, although it can be used to split kindling, siding, and fence palings also. The user holds the froe handle in the left hand and strikes the blade with a wooden mallet to drive the blade into the wood. Want to see it in action? Click on the link to see 84 year old Alex Stewart, native of Hancock County, use one to build a butter churn. 

The froe is used to split shingles, fence palings, and kindling wood.

Uncle Jake Blevins, who lived in the Big South Fork, is standing in front of a paling fence. Similar to a picket fence, the upright pieces were split out with a froe and mallet.

This drawing shows how a froe and mallet are used.