Buying a Rasp

Guide updated on 18th April 2019 to recommend the Narex Rasp.

Guide updated on 14th May 2019 to recommend the Shinto Rasp.

Guide updated on 14th October 2019 to remove the recommendation for a four-in-hand farrier’s rasp as this is not hardened.

A hand stitched rasp makes for a more effective cut and finish compared with the machine made ones, as it has irregularly placed teeth. This also makes them much more expensive and less of an entry-level tool for beginners. (They usually cost over £100.)

For a beginner, Paul would recommend the Shinto rasp from Amazon UK. We purchased this for £18.38 in October 2019. In our latest price check the price was £20.15.*

If you wanted one with a round, Paul recommends the Narex 8” Half Round rasp. We purchased this for £21.97 from Amazon UK in April 2019. In our latest price check the price was £27.99.*

Paul has tested both of these out and is happy with the performance. However, the Shinto rasp would be his first recommendation.

Note: We purchased this similar looking rasp which was not to the same standard and Paul would not recommend buying.

For a less expensive option, Paul recommends gluing a sheet of abrasive paper on a scrap piece of stock. The piece of wood should be about 10”-12” long, 1 ½” wide and ⅜” thick. One for more aggressive stock removal should have 60-80 grit, a medium level is 150-grit and a fine level 250-grit.

Paul talks more about his choice in buying rasps in this blog post here

*Prices checked March 2024

Relevant Guides

Further Reading