I recently tested a few chisels and plane blades from Zen-Wu Toolworks, a new company in China that uses a range of proprietary alloys—each designed for its task. I tested the X-1, Y-1, and Z-1 chisels, as well as a plane iron with a “Magnacut” edge. Everything arrived with dead-flat backs and sharp edges. The Z-1 chisel and Magnacut plane blade are a laminated combo of titanium and tool steel, designed to dampen vibration and decrease weight.

I compared the Zen-Wu plane blade to the stock A2 blade that came with my Lie-Nielsen No. 4-1/2 plane. The Zen-Wu blade made 600 clean strokes in curly maple before it began to feel dull, while the Lie-Nielsen blade began to dull in less than half the time—after 250 strokes.

Then I compared the performance of the Zen-Wu chisels to a Lee Valley/Veritas PMV-11 chisel, made from a very tough powdered-metal alloy. While the Veritas chisel managed an impressive 800 chops before it needed sharpening, all three Zen-Wu chisels outperformed it. The pricey X-1 chisel was the standout, able to deliver 1,200 chops before it needed sharpening. But the much more affordable Y-1 chisel managed 870 hits, and the Z-1 managed 900. That said, the Z-1’s steel felt springy under mallet blows, and one corner chipped. So I would go with the Y-1 for best value.

—Adam Godet is a pro woodworker in Washington, D.C.

Zen-Wu Z-1 Chisel, $79

Zen-Wu Y-1 Chisel, $69

Zen-Wu X-1 Chisel, $312

Zen-Wu Magnacut Plane Blade and Chipbreaker $164 (for No. 4-1/2 plane)

ZenWuToolworks.com