Woodworking

Lang or ye cut Balkland wood with a pen knife. – Scottish proverb, said when people work with improper tools, c.1500s

All wood is worth logs. – English proverb quoted by Cotgrave, 1611

A knotty piece of timber must have smooth wedges. – English proverb quoted by John Ray, 1670

Who answers when you knock on wood? – J. Drummond, People, 1969