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Hoof Knife: Sharp Blades for Sole, Frog and Claw Trimming

With a sharp, well-guided knife, work on the sole and frog is clean and safe. Here you will find hoof and claw knives for professionals and experienced owners.

Hoof Knife: precise work on the underside of the hoof

The hoof knife is the farrier's most important cutting tool. With its curved blade and hooked end, it removes loose sole horn, shapes the frog and exposes the white line. Many models are also suitable for claw trimming on cattle, sheep and goats. There are knives with a single-sided edge for right- or left-handers, narrow blades for tight spots and loop blades for working over larger areas.

Right, left or double-sided

A right-handed hoof knife has its edge arranged so that you pull it towards you when you hold it in your right hand. For left-handers there are mirror-image models. Double-sided knives work in both directions. Narrow blades reach well into the grooves of the frog, while wide blades work faster on the sole. Professional knives with a wooden handle sit securely in the hand, even during longer work.

Safety and care

A sharp knife is safer than a blunt one, because you need less force and are less likely to slip. Guide the blade so that it cannot spring towards you. Keep it sharp with a sharpening stone or a suitable file and wipe it dry after work. Improper paring can lead to bleeding and lameness, so leave larger corrections to the professional.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trim the frog myself as a horse owner?
After instruction from your farrier, you can carefully remove loose, protruding flaps of horn on the frog. Deeper paring belongs in professional hands, because too much horn comes off very quickly. If in doubt, leave the knife alone and call the farrier.

How do I sharpen a hoof knife properly?
Sharpen a hoof knife on the bevelled side of the blade with a sharpening stone, and the hooked end with a small round file. Only lightly hone the other side to remove the burr. Work at an even angle and with little pressure.

What is the difference between a hoof knife and a claw knife?
The shape is very similar, and many knives are sold for both. Claw knives are sometimes narrower or have a loop blade for working over the claw. Even so, it is best to use separate knives for horses and cattle so as not to pass on germs.

Hoof knives for farriers and claw trimmers

Whether you are paring the sole, shaping the frog or removing loose bits of horn, a good hoof knife makes this work more precise and safer. Single-edged knives are available for right- and left-handers, so you always pull in the right direction. Narrow blades reach well into tight frog grooves, while loop blades work over larger areas and are particularly suited to claw trimming on cattle, sheep and goats. Wooden handles feel comfortable in the hand, even when you work on several animals in a row. A small rider's knife with a hoof pick, on the other hand, is more of a practical companion for out and about. Always keep the blade sharp, because a blunt knife needs more force and slips more easily. A sharpening stone and a dry place to store it ensure that your hoof knife serves you well for a long time.