To carve a bowl, you will need a few essential tools. Firstly, a woodcarving knife or a hook knife is necessary to shape the bowl and remove unwanted wood. These knives come in various sizes and shapes, depending on your preference and the intricacy of the carving task. Additionally, you will require a mallet or a wooden hammer to help drive the carving tools through the wood. A roughing gouge can be useful for quickly removing bulk material at the initial stages, while a spoon gouge or chisel helps with hollowing out and refining the inside of the bowl. Lastly, sandpaper is crucial for achieving a smooth finish and removing any blemishes.