Here is a link to a picture of Mike Abott's modern shaving horse: http://www.woodlandskillscentre.co.uk/make-a-shave-horse-1.html . There is a great article in Permaculture magazine, no 61, (autumn 09) diagraming how to go about making one.
Suzy, a Shaving Horse is quite ancient, and a very versatile tool. "Bodgers " used to use them when making "Windsor Chairs". A very beautiful, elegant and strong design of chair, some of which have survived 300 years of almost daily use. They are still made today entirely by hand in the true old technique using green (wet) wood!
Suzy see the shaving horse in action here making a Windsor. http://www.eightquarter.com/Spindles.htm
http://www.thewindsorinstitute.com/chairsgal.html
Since the parts of the chairs are split out of wet wood , the grain runs all the way through. It is thus very durable and thats the secret to its longevity. They also have no nails or screws! Just some wedges for the spindles. The legs are tapered where they fit into the seat, if you sit on it the taper pushes tighter into the seat ! Old world wisdom !
