This is Alan's 1/2" diameter Uber bowl gouge  (the British system would call this a 3/8" bowl gouge).   It is made from one of the most expensive tool steels in the world:  powdered metal M4 high speed steel.  That in itself would make it "Uber" as it gives extended life to a cutting edge over standard HSS tool steels.  However, Alan takes it one step further:  the flute is milled followed by grinding to remove the milling marks.  So what?  The flute on a gouge is 1/2 of the cutting edge:  if rough from milling it is impossible to get a really keen edge for finishing cuts.  It is believed that this is the one gouge one the market today with that milled and ground feature.

It come unhandled and ground with a "traditional" bowl gouge vertical grind, with an approximately 55 degree angle.  In this form it is excellent for turning the inside corner of a face-grain bowl  (that transition between sides and bottom, affectionately known as "deadman's curve").  It may even extend that 55 degrees to as much as 70 as you find necessary.  This basic grind is also a good starting point to put a fingernail or swept back grind onto the gouge. 

If you desire the fingernail shape for the cutting end of the tool  (a good all around shape for bowl turning) please add the "Sharpening service for the Lacer Uber Gouge and Hamlet Skew chisels " to your order.  Alan will personally shape, sharpen and hand-hone the tool for immediate use--it will come in a "scary sharp" condition.

If you don't desire to turn your own single handle for this tool, look at the Hamlet 13" interchangeable handle, the 16" Oneway interchangable handle or the Robust  quick change handle collet system on this site  (under the categories of Handles, Robust or Oneway).