When I was at the Geisler Morodor Woodcarving school in Austria there was 40mm Skew in the student tool kit. I had never really used this tool before and after a week of carving with it I ordered a 20mm and 35mm skew for my personal tools. I am partial to the Swiss Pfiel tools mainly due the flats on the handle which stop it from rolling and the fact the steel is of such high quality. I wanted to visit the factory but they had limited tour windows that did not align with my time in the region. Maybe next time.
I am not a tool collector, but in this case it was incredibly useful despite the fact I laid my hand open on it in the first 90 minutes of class, but that is another story.
The skew is an incredibly versatile tool mainly due to the fact that it can execute a slicing cut much easier than a standard flat gouge. You can also align the tip into some pretty small spaces. It is also incredibly easy to sharpen. Literally lay it down with the bevel on the stone, move forward holding the bevel in place 5-8 times and repeat on the other side. Then hone the same way.
