Replies

1. 
   gpwest | Jan 13, 2003 03:33am | #1

   Alan,

     Are you interested in carving tools or bench chisels (or both)?  I have several Hirsch carving tools and like them, they hold an edge well.  Some of my chisels are what the catalog referred to as "intermediate size"  (slightly smaller than standard size).  I thought I would save a few dollars by buying the smaller size.  I recommend the standard size, they are more comfortable in the hand.  I've never had any Two Cherries, so can't compare.  GP

2. 
   KyleZ | Jan 13, 2003 06:03am | #2

   Alan,

   To the best of my knowledge, the Hirsch and Two Cherries are identical, except for the logo on the handle.  At least, that is what I concluded from the FWW chisel comparison article in Issue 139, December, 1999.

   If you were to purchase these chisels domestically, you would save a little money by purchasing the Hirsch brand.  However, you can purchase Two Cherries from Dieter Schmid, in Germany, at http://www.fine-tools.com for a great price.  The shipping charges are significant, but not so bad if you purchase a couple of things. ( I bought a Primus smoother when I got my Two Cherries.)

   I really like the feel of my Two Cherries, so I highly recommend them.  (I moved up from Marples Blue Chip.)  I gathered from the FWW article that Two Cherries/Hirsch were about the best Western Chisels considering both ergonomics and edge retention. (Barr chisels from Idaho might be as good, or better, but quite spendy; about $300 for a set of four according to the article.)

   If you are patient, Lie-Nielsen is rumored to be introducing chisels to their product line very soon.  They will be based on an old Stanley pattern.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/13/2003 8:09:37 AM ET by Kyle

3. 
   LeeSorenson | Jan 13, 2003 07:01am | #3

   Alan,

   I can only respond to using two cherries chisels (mortise only)

   I have Two Cherries Heavy Duty Sash Mortise Chisel which are at the bottom of this page http://www.diefenbacher.com/german.htm.  I have both the 50mm and the 30mm which are hefty tools.  I am in NJ at the moment but will head back to Dresden Germany in 3 weeks so if your looking for a "local" price let me know and I will see what I can do for you.

   If I remember correctly I paid @80.00 for the 50mm (2") and @55.00 for the 30mm (1.25) but this is only ballpark. 

   Lee

4. 
   Alan | Jan 13, 2003 10:32pm | #4

   Thanks guys,

   I am looking for bench chisels.  I've been using a set of Marpels chisels--the ones with the indestructible yellow and red see-through plastic handles.  I got them at least twenty years ago, and I hadn't found a reason to replace them until recently.  I'm still shopping around but I'm leaning towards the Hirsch.

   Thanks again,

   Alan

1. 
   BG | Jan 13, 2003 10:54pm | #5

   Alan,

   I've been shopping also and decided to buy one of each over time to see if a preference would develop.  I have an old set of stanleys I got from my father that were used as screw drivers by a rather stubborn not caring little boy...(did I mention I was an only child..lol)

   Anyhow, this weekend I had a chance to really use the Japanese chisel. I cut several mortices 2 1/2x1 1/2x1 1/2 in Doug Fir.  It worked well from a sharpness retention perspective..and cut a beautiful line...but just not long enough for my two mits to pare with.  It's a keeper, but I'll look at others that have more length for these big hands of mine. 

1. 
   Baisch | Jan 14, 2003 04:52pm | #7

   Dear bighands,

   If you like Japanese steel you would love firmer chisels, available from the Japan woodworker.  They are about a foot long; a beloved chisel used by boatbuilders, cabinetmakers and big-pawed people.

2. 
   Alan | Jan 14, 2003 10:43pm | #8

   BG,

   Thanks for your reply.

   How are the Japanese chisels to sharpen and keep sharp?  I've heard/read somewhere that one ought not put a secondary bevel on Japanese edge tools--something to do with the laminated steel.  How hard is it to get those bad boys sharp and how long does the edge last?  Without being able to use a secondary bevel it seems to me it would mean every "touch-up" sharpening would have to be a full-on session at the stones.

   Alan

   Edited 1/14/2003 2:48:09 PM ET by Alan

1. 
   BG | Jan 15, 2003 12:29am | #11

   Alan,

   I'm probably not the best person to ask about chisel sharpening, given I only have the one Japanese and a bunch of old Stanleys.  However, I use the sandpaper from 100 grit to 2000.  I flatten first and then go for a burr on the beveled side..maybe 10 minutes...from there it's only a few minutes till I am finished.  The Stanleys took longer..however, they were really messed up. Resharpening the Stanley..can't say as I have noticed a difference in time..

    I'm still learning where to put the chisel in the holder for sharpening for repeatability.  Invariably, I'll either go too far forward or back with the blade and I'm cutting a new angle on the bevel...sigh.  This last sharpening was after several months of general use. I went for the 'black line' while sharpening

   Also, because of the brittleness of the blade I try hard not to use it as a lever.  I'll buy a few more Japanese chisels..and a set of Two Cherries.  Also, I'll make a  round thing with a hole to put on top of the chisel for paring. 

   My guess is that once your into the lamination that chisel is effectively shot.  You can see the layers on a sharpened tool..and just how much is the working end.  I'm not sure why you would want a secondary bevel if I'm understanding what you mean by that?.

   Edited 1/14/2003 4:36:01 PM ET by BG

5. 
   b1gcountry | Jan 14, 2003 02:04am | #6

   I own bevel edged chisels from both brands, and I can't tell the difference. The handles are the same now. Only difference is the logo, and the 2 cherries has two cherries stamped onto the blade. I soak my chisels in laquer thinner to remove the factory coating, which also takes off the stickers, so I really can't tell which is which unless I look for the stamp.

   I haven't been able to find the selection of Hirsch chisels I can of 2 Cherries though.

   Tom

1. 
   Alan | Jan 14, 2003 10:45pm | #9

   Tom,

   Thanks for your reply.

   That's the same story I've gotten elsewhere.

   BTW, Lee Valley carries Hirsch chisels at about the best prices I've seen.  Do you know of another dealer with a smaller margin?

   Alan

1. 
   b1gcountry | Jan 15, 2003 02:42am | #12

   Lee Valley has them pretty cheap. Although I saw 2 cherries for about the same price somewhere...rosewood studios??? I dunno.

   Tom

6. 
   wop | Jan 14, 2003 11:17pm | #10

         I deal with Dieter Schmit in Germany often ,nice guy fair prices and great service. Two cherries may give you the chisels polished but not flat,flattening the backs is a bear but you do that only once and then they are great chisels. I mostly use jap chisels they stay sharp a long time but have a brittle edge so when I need to abuse a chisel I use two cherries or Stubai.

                              Philip