Replies

1. 
   Tony Z | Jul 31, 2007 06:34pm | #1

   I believe both places you mentioned carry LN chisels.  I have purchased a number of tools (old and new) from both vendors you mentioned and both are great. 

   But......IIRC nobody discounts LN chisels so there is no advantage to go anywhere else by directly to LN!

2. 
   9619 | Jul 31, 2007 08:20pm | #2

   GT,
   The LN chisels are really nice.

   But have you seen the new set of bench chisels that Pfeil has put out. Pfeil is the company that puts "Swiss Made" on each of their product. They are selling them now at Woodcraft. I haven't looked elsewhere.

   You should try them.
   They are very very sweet.
   I am not one to think about cost.
   When it comes to good working tools, one should focus on quality, not cost.
   Try the Pfeil set.

   By the way, Pfeil and Lie Nielsen are the two companies that have one thing in common. When you look up the products that are on EBay, both Lie Nielsen and Pfeil sell for almost full price, much of the time. It is a very interesting phenomena. Other companies that put out great products don't have this "EBay" price phenomenon. There have been discussions about it on Knots before. I cant explain it, but I know it when I see it.

   "Feel the Pfeil".
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

3. 
   JeffHeath | Aug 01, 2007 02:55am | #3

   I purchased both my sets of LN chisels (standard and paring) from the local Woodcraft.  Both times, I waited for their 15% off sale.  Quite the bargain, and no shipping.  Just gas there and back.  Get on your local Woodcraft mailing list, and they will frequently send you these coupon/postcards.  With a little patience, you can save quite a few $$$'s.

   Jeff 

4. 
   mpphoto | Aug 01, 2007 07:14am | #4

   I purchased my set at Woodcraft during a sale. Currently craftsmanstudio.com has free shipping on the chisels. I have no affiliation with this vendor but have purchased from them in the past and have been very happy with the pricing and service.

   Michael

1. 
   GettinTher | Aug 02, 2007 06:46pm | #5

   Thanks for the suggestion.  Since I was looking for just a couple, I ordered from Craftsman Studio.  No tax.  No shipping.  $100 even.  They are already in the mail.

   Thanks, all.

1. 
   GettinTher | Aug 07, 2007 07:39am | #6

   So, I got my new LN chisels from Craftsman Studio in just 2 days.  Impressive! 

   The general look and feel is quite nice, but, not being familiar with Hornbein, I was surprised by the dark spots that almost look like stains or burns on both handles and the light, almost white, broken line discoloration in one. 

   View Image 

   Both are smooth to the touch, but  . . .   Is this normal for Hornbein?  Should I be concerned?

    

   
1. 
   MikeHennessy | Aug 07, 2007 02:58pm | #7

   As another poster said, don't worry about the grain pattern on the chisels' handles. Just start enjoying them. Or, in the alternative, *you* worry about the handles, send the chisels to me and *I'll* enjoy using them! ;-)

   BTW, I've always seen this wood referred to as "hornbeam".

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

1. 
   Ron01960 | Aug 07, 2007 03:45pm | #8

   Carpinus caroliniana, Blue Beech or Ironwood, a small sized deciduous tree. The wood is dense and hard. I believe its harvested in Maine for LN. enjoy.!Ron

2. 
   VTAndy_ | Aug 07, 2007 04:09pm | #9

   Hi,
   The darker heartwood of hophornbeam is beautiful -- count yourself lucky! Most LN chisels are made of the lighter sapwood which is almost white. Lovely chisels, now go use them!
   -Andy

1. 
   GettinTher | Aug 07, 2007 04:49pm | #10

   Hilarious.  Thanks for the feedback.  You know, you make an investment, you want it to be right.  You have really set my mind at ease.  Now let's see if I can do some good with them.

   I made up an excuse to use them already, paring a narrow piece of trim for my kitchen cabinets.  Wow, these are some sweet tools.  Quick, clean, beautifully smooth cuts.  Natural fit, easy to control.  Thanks again.

   Mike,

   Hornbeam.  You are right, it's Hornbeam.  Tom Hornbein, the first climber to traverse Everest.  Brain fart.

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Aug 07, 2007 06:49pm | #11

   "Tom Hornbein, the first climber to traverse Everest."

   And here I was, thinking that they named the wood from the trees he found there after him! ;-)

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA