The Hans Karlsson Straight Carving Gouge 35-30 is skilfully hand-forged by the world renowned tool makers at Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB in Sweden. This gouge is crafted with a medium sweep and a relatively short edge, perfect for the detailed work needed in carving smaller items like kuksas and shallow bowls of a small to medium size. A straight gouge is stronger than a bent gouge, so if working on a bowl, this will be used to remove material mainly down the sides of the bowl. A bent gouge should be used afterwards to carve lower down in the bowl.

Using their own unique reference system to define the tool's specifications, the '35' indicates the sweep based on the radius in millimetres, while '30' is the measurement of the cutting edge from one end to the other. Remember, this gouge is made for pushing cuts, not for striking with a mallet. Right out of the forge, the Straight Carving Gouge 35-30 comes to you well-finished, sharp, and ready for immediate use.

• Blade Material: High-quality ball bearing steel (SS2258) hardened to 60 - 62 Rockwell, holds an exceptional edge
• Bevel: Ground to 25 degrees
• Cutting Edge Length: 30mm
• Sweep: 35mm radius curvature (read the HK sweep tables here)
• Total Length: 250mm (10"), including the handle
• Handle Length: 140 mm (5 1/2")
• Handle Material: Swedish ash or elm, lightly oiled with linseed

About Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB:

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.