Hans Karlsson Heavy Duty Straight Carving Gouge 70-50 is made by renowned Swedish toolmakers Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB.

This gouge has a 50mm (c. 2") cutting edge from corner to corner and a 70 sweep.

One of the strongest straight gouges for the initial stages of wood removal, typically in a bowl, if you prefer not to use an adze.  Perfect to start the process of carving the inside of bowls and other hollow curved forms.

Further down into the bowl use a bent gouge such as the Hans Karlsson HD Carving Gouge 70-50 BENT. This helps to create a smooth transition from side wall to bottom of the bowl.

Hans Karlsson has his own reference system to describe the sweep (curvature) of a tools edge. In this case, 70 is the curve of a circle designated by the radius measured in millimetres. And 50 is the length of the cutting edge in millimetres from corner to corner.

Made from ball bearing steel (SS2258), hardened in oil to 60 - 62 Rockwell.

Overall length 300mm (12") including a 175mm (7")  handle.

The lightly oiled handle is made from locally grown Swedish ash or elm and is designed for comfort in the hand.

Designed for striking with a mallet, the robust handle is double-hooped with a brass ferrule at each end of the handle.

A nylon insert incorporated into the end of the handle deadens shock and sound.

Hans Karlsson HD Carving Gouge 70-50 Straight is a beautiful extremely well finished tool. Sharpened and honed ready to use.