V-gouges have angled cutting edges that create -shaped troughs.
The v-gouge has an angled cutting edge that cuts both sides of the v-shape trough in one pass. Tools vary in the size of the angle with some v-gouge making tight v-cuts and others very wide troughs.
Whenever possible work your v-gouge with the grain of the wood, leading up with the grain. This avoids the gouge from digging into the wood. You can make a v-trough cut using several strokes, each leading away from a central point towards the end of the line or both leading into a central point, depending of the grain direction.
The v-gouge can also be used to smooth the side walls of any area. Place the point of the v in the joint line and lean one side of the gouge against the high wall to make this cut.
V-gouges and round gouges use a slip strop for sharpening. To learn more visit Sharpening your round gouges.