Wood-carving tools differ from the ordinary carpenter's chisels and gouges by being bevelled on both the inner and outer edge. The outside bevel of the curved tools is just sufficient to give a clean edge, and is produced by working the gouges backward and forward along the length of the oilstone, and at the same time giving a sweep of the wrist to bring the whole width of the tool in contact with the stone. This is continued until a regular burr or wire-edge is formed, and a polished band about |in. wide is seen following the edge of the tool. For producing the inside bevel, slips or stones exactly fitting the inner curve of each tool are required. These slips may be held in the hand, or fixed in a frame or vice. A backward and forward movement of the tool soon produces the desired bevel. When a regular burr is formed on the cutting edge, that is, when both bevels meet, the work of the slip is finished. A strop, covered with a mixture of grease and emery powder, is next used on both bevels in order to remove the burr and give a clean edge. A V- or wedge-shaped edge is produced, which facilitates the withdrawal of the tools from the wood after every blow. If the two bevels are not properly produced the tool will snap from impact with the wood at every attempt to withdraw it.

This often results, too, if the V of the bevels is too slender or elongated.