Hirsch Large #5 Bent Gouge

Produced by one of Germany’s oldest tool-making firms, this professional-quality gouge is the style traditionally favored by European carvers.

Essential tools for a variety of woodworkers, large shallow-sweep gouges are ideal for roughing out sculptures and saddling chair seats. This #5 gouge is especially useful for smoothing out cuts from a more aggressive gouge, and has a gradual curve along its length that makes it suitable for working in deep concavities like the inside of a hand-carved bowl.

The natural-finish hornbeam handle has excellent impact resistance, and its octagonal shape gives a secure grip. The fully polished 40mm (1 9/16") wide blade is hand forged from high-carbon steel, hardened to Rc61 for durability, and requires only final stropping. Overall length is 250mm (just under 9 7/8").