The Hans Karlsson Bent Carving Gouge 55-30 is a hand forged tool from the renowned Swedish toolmakers at Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB. With its short edge and medium sweep, this gouge is great for detailed work in small spaces. It's used for carving out the inside of bowls, following up after using an adze or a straight gouge, and is ideal for hollowing kuksas and medium-sized bowls.

The ‘55’ in its name refers to the radius of the curve in millimetres, while the ‘30’ is the length of the cutting edge from one corner to the other. This gouge is made from top-notch ball bearing steel (SS2258), ensuring it will take and hold an excellent edge, and it’s been hardened to between 60 and 62 Rockwell. The handle, made from Swedish elm, is lightly oiled for a comfortable grip. Please note, this gouge is designed for pushing and is not meant to be struck with a mallet. Sharpened and honed, ready for use. 

With tools from Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB, you’re getting a solid, dependable tool, and the Bent Carving Gouge 55-30 is no exception. These tools are in high demand worldwide, so our stock can be limited.

Product Details:

• Edge Length: 30mm (1 3/16″)
• Sweep: 55mm (curve of a circle in mm diameter) - see the Hans Karlsson sweep table to compare against other gouges 
• Steel: High-quality SS2258, designed for a fine and durable edge
• Overall Length: 250mm (9 3/4")
• Handle Length: 140mm (5 1/2")
• Handle Material: Swedish ash or elm, lightly oiled for comfort and grip

Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB, based in Sweden, is globally celebrated for its exceptional hand tools, combining superb design with the finest steel for unparalleled edge retention. Despite a higher upfront cost, the durability and performance of their tools provide excellent value, making them a wise choice even in challenging economic times.

Like us, Hans Karlsson operates as a family-run business, they prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring each tool meets their exacting standards. This commitment has generated immense demand worldwide. The workshop, located in Motala and formerly a butcher's factory, now features forges, a handle-making shop, a fully-equipped machine shop, and a "fitting room" showcasing their 800-tool range.

At Woodsmith, we echo the Karlsson’s belief in tools that deliver exceptional performance and joy over many years. Due to the handmade nature and limited production, Hans Karlsson tools are in high demand, with shipments arriving only every 9-12 months, leading to periods of stock unavailability. To secure one of these coveted tools, we recommend signing up for email alerts on our product pages, ensuring you’re among the first to know when stock is replenished.