Scraper

DEFINITION

Sometimes called a spatula, any tool with a blade that is somewhat flexible, but fairly rigid. It is generally used for modeling such soft materials as clay, paint, plaster, and wax. Its edge is not beveled to the degree that it would cut or carve hard materials. Scrapers can be made in a variety of sizes, and typically of metal, plastic, wood, horn or seashell. Although their edges are often broad and straight or curved, scrapers with edges having other shapes (close to the contours of surfaces needing scraping) can be very useful. Historically among the oldest kinds of tools, scrapers are often used for removing materials from surfaces, for spreading or smoothing them.