What tool is primarily used for shaping and smoothing the edges of wood?

The spokeshave is specifically designed for shaping and smoothing the edges of wood, particularly in the crafting of curved surfaces. Its construction includes a long blade with handles on either side, providing the user with better control and leverage while working on the wood. This tool is ideal for tasks such as shaping chair legs, wheel spokes, and other rounded wooden components due to its ability to carve out intricate curves with precision.

In contrast, while tools like a chisel or a file can also be used to work with wood, they serve different primary purposes. A chisel is generally used for carving and cutting into wood rather than smoothing edges, and a file is more for refining surfaces and creating fine finishes rather than shaping. A smoothing plane is used for flattening surfaces and might provide a smooth edge, but the spokeshave excels specifically at the task of shaping and smoothing edges with a focus on curved designs, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.