Hoof Knives: Precise Finishing Work on Cattle and Sheep

Hoof Knives: A Keen Blade for a Clean Cut

When you trim feet, the last movement of the hand decides the result. A sharp blade parts the horn cleanly instead of tearing it, and you work more calmly and more quickly. A good hoof knife sits firmly in the hand and pulls through with little effort. Here you will find models for cattle, sheep and goats along with the matching whetstone.

Blade shapes and handles

The Profi and SuperProfi hoof knives are built for frequent work on cattle. The Profi hoof knives with a hardwood handle come single and double edged, depending on whether you only pull in one direction or want to work both edges without changing grip. For tight spots in the interdigital cleft you reach for the narrow Profi hoof and claw knife, available for left and right handed use. On the softer horn of sheep and goats, the Profi hoof knife for goats and sheep with its smaller blade proves its worth. The ProfiLoop with a loop blade takes loose horn off across the surface, while a folding hoof knife travels safely in your pocket when you only want a quick look at an animal out at grass. Where horn growth is heavy, the DICK trimming blade rounds things off.

Sharpening and working safely

A knife is only as good as its edge. The flat oval whetstone brings the bevel back in a few strokes, ideally between two animals rather than at the end of the day. Hold the angle steady and work with light pressure, then the blade keeps its shape for a long time. Always cut away from your body and secure the leg properly in the crush or on the hoof stand. Gloves protect your free hand. Once the job is done, clean the blade, dry it and put a drop of oil on it so that no surface rust takes hold.

Frequently asked questions

Single or double edged, which suits me better?
That depends on how you work. Single edged knives are drawn in one direction only, so the second blade never gets in your way. Double edged models save you changing grip, because you can pull along both edges of the hoof.

How often do I need to resharpen?
On cattle, after a few animals at the latest, because sand and small stones in the horn blunt the edge quickly. A short pull across the whetstone is usually all it takes. Only when the bevel chips do you need to work it back more coarsely.

Do sheep and goats need their own knife?
It makes good sense. The Profi hoof knife for goats and sheep has a smaller blade and copes better with the finer foot. Many people mainly use hoof shears there and bring the knife out only for tidying up.