In woodworking and architecture, (not wax paper) is commonly used to protect surfaces and tools when creating decorative profiles like a "bead and quirk".
A simple, shop-made tool used to "scratch" the bead and quirk profile into wood, particularly useful for custom or curved work. Customer Questions & Answers - Amazon.com
Modern workshops use quirked beading bits to achieve the same rounded edge and recessed shadow line on table aprons or cabinet doors.
If you are working with this specific profile, the "paper" involved typically serves one of these purposes:
Antique or specialized wooden hand planes are the traditional method for cutting these profiles in a single pass.