Fishtail (tool)

In woodworking, a fishtail (also fishtail gouge or fishtail spade gouge) is a type of chisel with a flared blade that resembles the tail of a fish.^[1]

Three types of fishtail gouge on the left, compared with other gouge types

They are used for light wood finishing, lettering, skimming, and modeling.^[2] They can be used to reach in tight places where a full-width gouge would not fit.^[3]

In gardening, a fishtail spade has a flared triangular blade combining the versatility of the Dutch hoe and power of the common round point shovel into a multipurpose tool.^[4]

Three fishtail spades made from used pointed shovel heads. Blossom is on the left.