61/129

This is a grip, an iron hook with a ring attached. It was used in conjunction with a clogmakers knife to trim besoms (broom made of brush or twigs). The grip is used to clamp the material that is then cut with the knife in a lever action. It was used at Dryderdale Mill, Hamsterley, County Durham.

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'GRIP // See 61/128. Used to clamp heads for cutting with knife. Dryderdale Mill, Hampsterley, Co. Durham. // [pencil sketch]', MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form [61/128] – 'KNIFE (BESOM) // A clogmakers knife adapted for trimming besoms. // Dryderdale Mill, Hampsterley, Co. Durham. Used in with hook (61/129) which was found with it for trimming besoms (according to present foreman who is uncertain about technique). // [pencil sketch]