OUR STORY

Woodcut Tools is a family owned business based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, designing and manufacturing woodworking tools for turners who value quality, performance, and reliability. Since the beginning, our focus has been on creating tools that solve real workshop problems and help woodturners work with greater control, safety, and enjoyment.

Our story began with founder Ken Port, who started designing woodturning tools in the 1970s out of frustration with what was available at the time. Through years of hands on experience at the lathe, and collaboration with fellow turners, those early ideas evolved into a range of tools that were made available to woodturners around the world when Woodcut Tools was established in 1990. Ken remains involved in product design today, continuing to bring practical insight and experience to the business.

Today, Woodcut Tools is owned and operated by the Hewitt family. Dan and Jennifer Hewitt are closely involved in every part of the business, from product development and customer communication through to packing orders. When you receive an email from Woodcut Tools or place an order, there is a good chance it has been handled directly by us.

We work closely with the woodturning community, listening to customers, learning from professional turners, and taking the time to ensure a product is right before it reaches the market. Many of our tools have evolved through years of refinement, shaped by real feedback from the people who use them.

We also work closely with our network of dealers around the world. These partnerships are an important part of Woodcut Tools, helping us connect with local woodturning communities and ensure our products are supported, demonstrated, and understood wherever they are used.

Proudly based in New Zealand, our products carry the FernMark, representing their connection to our origin and the standard of quality we stand behind.



At Woodcut Tools, we believe that buying a tool should feel like a long term investment. That means thoughtful design, dependable quality, and service you can trust. Whether you are coring bowls, hollowing forms, sharpening tools, or adding detail to a finished piece, our aim is to provide tools that help you do the job well and enjoy the process along the way.