July 31, 2010
PRODUCT REVIEW
HORSE HOOF TRIMMING UTILIZES
NEW CHAINSAW BLADE TECHNOLOGY

For the first time ever, the unique cutting ability of a chainsaw blade is now being applied to
horse hoof trimming. King Arthur’s Tools, the worldwide leader in the development of
chainsaw blades on angle grinders, introduces MERLIN HOOF TRIMMING SET, a self
contained trimming set that can be used by Farriers, Veterinarians, and Horse Owners that trim
their own horses. Chainsaw blade technology provides a faster, smoother and easier experience
than the standard hoof knife and nippers.

The application of King Arthur’s Tools products to animal care started in 2005 when a dairy
farmer contacted the company and wanted to buy a woodcarving chain saw to trim the hooves of
his cows. While not too sure about using the wood-carving blades for the purpose, the company
did think the technology could be applied to the task. Several prototypes were created and
professional cow hoof trimmers from Florida to Wisconsin were asked to test them under real
life conditions. The result was a chain saw disc with teeth that were specifically designed to
remove material from a hoof.

With the success of the larger 3-1/2″ disc and in response to a request, a smaller 2″ version of the
disc was developed that would prove to be easier to use when treating hoof-related ailments,
including bovine laminitis. The result was the Electric Hoof Knife, specifically designed and
tested for treatment of hoof disease in dairy cows. The jump to the equine field wasn’t long in
coming. Veterinarians, Farriers and other people involved in hoof care were already trying it out
on horses, cattle, goats, sheep and hogs