Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Hoof Knife: Precise Work on the Sole and Interdigital Space

For everything the shears cannot reach: sharp hoof knives with left- or right-hand blades for clean, controlled fine work.

Hoof Knife: For the Work That Really Counts

The shears shorten, the knife corrects. With a sharp hoof knife you level the sole, open up cavities, take away loose horn and expose inflamed areas so they can dry out properly. Here you will find straight and curved blades, left- and right-hand versions, plus spare blades and sharpening kit for flocks that keep you busy all season. Every model here is made for the close work that decides how the hoof looks at the end.

Blade shapes and cutting direction

Hoof knives come left- and right-handed. If you carry both, you can work the inner and outer claw just as comfortably without moving the sheep around. The curved tip is the classic choice for the interdigital space and for cavities because it slips neatly under loose horn. Straight blades are better for taking the sole back over a wider area. Look for a wooden or non-slip plastic handle that still holds when wet, and a hardened blade that keeps its edge.

Working safely, staying sharp

A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because you push harder and slip more easily. Draw the blade over a fine stone regularly, or swap it on models with replaceable blades. Always cut away from your body and make sure the sheep is properly held so it cannot jerk at the wrong moment. Afterwards the same rules apply as for shears: clean, dry, disinfect, especially where footrot is an issue. A turnover crate that holds the sheep steady makes the whole job safer and faster. A sheath protects both you and the edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both left- and right-hand knives?
One is enough for the odd correction. If you trim larger groups regularly, working with both is faster and easier on your back.

How deep can I cut?
Only until the sole is level. If the horn starts to look pink, the sensitive tissue is close, so stop there.

How do I keep the blade sharp?
A few passes on a fine stone after each round is usually enough. Replacement blades are the quick alternative when you are working against the clock.

Hoof Knives for Trimming Sheep Hooves

Where the shears reach their limit, the hoof knife takes over: levelling the sole, opening cavities and carefully exposing inflamed spots in the interdigital space. You will find left- and right-hand models here, straight and curved blades, and versions with a replaceable blade that put you back to sharp in seconds. The blades are hardened steel and hold their edge over many animals, while the handles stay secure in wet or dirty hands. Sharpening stones, spare blades and protective sheaths are stocked alongside, so your knife is safely stored and ready whenever the flock is due. That way you work through larger groups quickly and stay in control of every cut. If you are unsure which cutting direction suits you, start with the hand you trim with and add the second knife once the groups get bigger.