goiva

Goiva, in Portuguese woodworking terminology, refers to a gouge, a curved-blade hand tool used to carve and shape wood. The blade is curved along its edge, creating a U- or V-shaped cross-section that enables the removal of material from concave surfaces.

Design and varieties: Gouges come in many sweeps and widths. A goiva's blade is typically made of high-carbon steel and set into a handle made of wood, resin, or composite material. The curvature determines the tool's hollowing capability, with shallow sweeps used for fine work and deeper sweeps for rapid material removal. Some goivas have interchangeable blades or are part of a profiling set.

Usage: Goivas are used for carving, relief carving, and hollowing bowls or spoons. They are commonly used with push strokes, sometimes with a mallet on the handle when greater force is needed. Fine detailing is achieved with smaller, sharp goivas, while larger ones remove stock more quickly.

Maintenance: Keep the blade sharp by regular sharpening on a stone and honing; protect the edge when not in use. Clean and lightly oil the blade to prevent rust. Proper storage helps avoid nicks and dullness.

Context: The term goiva is widely used in Portuguese-speaking carpentry and sculpture communities. The concept corresponds to the English gouge and maps to similar tools across global woodworking traditions.

See also: Gouge; Carving; Chisel.