POTTERY TOOLS

Artisan tools, made by a potter for potters.

This is a gallery of all H + F Pottery tools currently being made. Click “ Shop all tools now.” to place an order.

Shop all tools now.

Crafted using salvaged Oregon Black Walnut from downed or unhealthy trees. Walnut is a highly valued hardwood because of its beauty and strength. The durability of this wood makes it an excellent choice for tools that will be used on both wet and leatherhard clay. All tools are oiled with a food-grade walnut oil.

Before steel tools there were brass. Brass is a natural choice for these tools as it’s strong, yet flexible, and develops a lovely patina with use.

Humans have been using hemp for at least 10,000 years for everything from clothing to ropes. The long, incredibly strong fibers come from the upright stalks of the plant. It has been added for grip and comfort.

BRASS RIBS

Thin, yet sturdy, these ribs are flexible enough to smooth slabs or shape pots. The hammering done to the surface is not only aesthetically pleasing, it hardens the brass to withstand gentle bending as it’s used. The texture will also allow a uniquely patterned patina to develop over time — which we think makes the tool even more special.

4” long x 2” wide

Brass Kidney Rib

Shown freshly made, with hammered and brushed finish.

Brass Rib,

$30

WOODEN RIBS

For throwing, smoothing, + shaping pots.

4” long x 2” wide x approximately 1/2” thick

Raw Black Walnut ribs, showing variations in color + grain.

Torched rib in use.

RAW, TORCHED

TORCHED

$31

RAW

$30

POTTER’S KNIVES

For sculpting, scraping, or rough-cutting.

7” long x 3/4” wide

Raw Black Walnut potter’s knives, showing variations in color + grain.

RAW

$28

BIRD KNIVES

For cutting slabs, opening boxes of clay, removing wobbly rims from pots, etc.

These knives have hand-hammered brass blades which increases their hardness + durability.

All knives in varied sizes and finishes.

BLACKBIRD KNIFE

$86

A torched cutter, best for slab cutting or box/letter opening. A palm held knife meant to cut quickly through a variety of materials. The largest of the bird knives.

CHICKEN KNIFE

$74

For slab work, rim cutting, and opening boxes of clay. A general-use cutting tool. The smallest of the bird knives.

HAWK KNIFE

$70

For rim cutting + smaller slab work. This tool will allow the best control for fine cutting.

CRESTED EAGLE KNIFE

$86

For general slab work or wobbly rim cutting. This is a sturdier knife for controlled cutting of thicker clay.

WIRE CUTTERS

Use to cut chunks of clay off the block or remove pots from the wheel.

Handle: 2 3/4” long

Complete length: approximately 18”

RAW WALNUT + BRASS

$35

PADDLES

To shape, thin, + move clay.

Paddle: 5 1/2” long x 3 3/4” wide x 1 1/2” thick

Handle: 5” long x 3 3/4” wide x 1” thick

RAW BLACK WALNUT PADDLES, showing variations in color + grain.

$95

Caring for your H+F tools:

Always remove your tools from your water bucket after use. (We’ve all left a rib or two floating in the throwing bucket, it happens.)
Rinse everything well / wipe them dry.
Allow your tools to air dry.
Lightly sand the wood + reapply beeswax or board butter (available at your local hardware store), on occasion.

About torched wood: The time-tested practice of torching wood for the sake of both waterproofing and hardening has been used for functional and aesthetic purposes on these tools. It seals off the otherwise open pores of the wood, protecting from water penetration and swelling.

About raw wood: While the raw wood tools are intended to be exposed to water, they will need to be sanded and oiled, occasionally, (as do all wooden products) to restore a smooth, sealed surface.

About hemp cord: It will last a long time, but will eventually need to be replaced.

About brass: A patina will develop with use, uniquely changing the color of the brass. In time, wire cutter tools will need their wire replaced.