An adze is a cutting tool similar to an axe, but with a blade perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. The blade of an adze is curved and sharpened on the inside edge, allowing it to remove thin layers of wood with each stroke. Adzes were traditionally used by carpenters and woodworkers for shaping and smoothing wooden surfaces, such as the hulls of boats or the beams of houses. The adze has a long history, with evidence of its use dating back to the Stone Age. It was a common tool in many cultures, including those of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In some cultures, adzes were also used as weapons. In modern times, adzes are less commonly used in industrialized societies, but they are still used in traditional woodworking and boat-building. They are also used in some specialized fields, such as ice carving and timber framing.
tool, woodworking, carpentry, ancient, curved
CITATION : "Matthew James. 'Adze.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=266277 (Accessed on May 08, 2025)"
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