gouge

Gouge refers to a tool and to an act. As a noun, it most often denotes a chisel with a curved blade used in woodworking, sculpture, and related crafts to scoop or hollow out material. The curved edge allows the cutter to remove material in concave shapes, producing hollows, scoops, and ornamental curves. Gouges are produced in a variety of "sweep" profiles and radii, including straight gouges, spoon gouges, and fishtail or V-gouges. In addition to tools, the term describes a groove, trough, or recessed channel cut or worn into a surface by gouging.

As a verb, gouge means to scoop out material with a gouge, or to forcefully hollow or shape a surface. It is also used metaphorically to mean overcharging or swindling, especially during shortages, as in price gouging; such practices are often regulated by law.

Gouges come in different materials, with high-carbon steel blades common for edge retention, and woodworkers may sharpen and hone blades regularly. They are used with mallets or by hand, depending on the task; safety considerations include securing the workpiece and keeping hands clear of the blade path. Beyond woodworking, gouges are used in leather carving and in sculpture for detailed curves and negative space.