An oboe reed gouge device has a carriage upon which a blade is carried at an angle to raw cane material from which a reed is formed. The carriage is rotatably and longitudinally slidable on a rod to move relative to the cane. The rod has opposing end segments with coincident axes that are offset from the axis of a central rod segment. By rotating the rod about the axes of the end segments, the carriage, which is mounted on the central rod segment, is moved laterally relative to the cane. By mounting a gauge finger against the central rod segment, the amount of lateral displacement can be measured and displayed. A groove is formed in the carriage, and the blade is mounted in the groove using a pin with a drive screw, and a second screw to lock the blade in position.