gouge

The most widely used wood carving tools are gouges, which are similar to regular wood chisels except that their cutting edges are curved instead of flat. Gouges are available in many sizes and shapes. The size of their cutting edge can range from about 1/8 inch to 3 1/2 inches; the cutting edge arc may be shallow, medium, or deep; the shank may be straight or bent; and the profile of the cutting edge may be spoon-shaped, v-shaped, or even fishtail shaped. Each tool has a specific use. For example, bent gouges and chisels are used for cutting deep hollows. V-shaped gouges are used for crisping corners and adding detail lines.