Replies

1. 
   MSDMSD | Dec 11, 2002 07:57pm | #1

   From the picture on the web site I could not really see the chisels clearly.  As far as Japanese Chisels go they are of top quality.  The Fine Woodworking Magazine had a chisel show down -- if I remember correctly there were 10 or 15 chisels in this show down.  The two chisels that took first and second place were the Blue Steel & White Steel chisels.  If you want to find more info. on these chisels check out http://www.japanwoodworker.com

   In the past this similar topic has come up before, so if you decide to check it out there will be a number of individuals who responded to your question.

   Enjoy the Holiday

   MSD

2. 
   Froed | Dec 11, 2002 08:41pm | #2

   That set lists on their website for $80, but that really doesn't tell you anything about them.  Japanese chisels are like western chisels, there are good ones and bad ones.  The thing to do is call Rockler to find out a little more about them, though 62-64 hardness will be typical.

   The FWW review gave top marks to the Iyori brand, if I remember correctly.  I know Highland Hardware sells them.  The Japan Woodworker is also a good source for japanese chisels, though I believe their "house" brand didn't rank quite as high as some of the others.  I have a set & they seem fine to me.

   The white steel mentioned is not quite as tough as the blue steel you'll read about, but according to most sources they'll be just fine unless you're working with abrasive woods a lot (teak and the like).  For a set of 1/4, 1/2, & 3/4 $60 doesn't sound bad at all.

3. 
   BG | Dec 11, 2002 09:59pm | #3

   Jim,

   Let me add a bit to what the others have said.  I spent about a hour last Saturday with a knowledegable person form Japan Woodworker at a show in Worchester, MA .  He explained that the price difference in Japanese chisels was very much determined by the quality of the craftsman that produced the tool.  He showed me some of the quality differences and how the different craftsman created different outcomes.  I wish I could provide some illustrations, but the terms did not stay with me.  Also, to be frank, only in a side by side comparasion can you really see what he was talking about.  No where in his discriptions was functionality impacted.  In other words, a bookcase from Ikea does the same work as a bookcase from Slainte (now if that dosen't get me in trouble...lol)

   There was a difference, however, in the material used for the handle.  Expensive ones had better wood in the handle...some of the time.       

1. 
   WillOBrien | Dec 11, 2002 11:20pm | #4

   Here is the short story of what I have learned from my investigations and experience with chisels.

   First of all Japan Woodworker is very helpful on the phone in terms of answering questions and having a knowledgable resource to learn from.  From them I learned some of the following:

   1) The reason that Japanese chisels are so expensive is that there is a Japanese man over there pounding steel - manually.  A lot of experienced labor goes into each chisel so it is more expensive.  However there is no real difference (that you and I will see anyway) in a Japanese man pounding the steel versus a machine pounding the steal.

   2) I called to complain that my Japanese chisel chipped too easily and they told me that that brittleness is a function of the manufacturing process and that I will need to hone the chip out of the blade and then the chisel will not be as brittle anymore - frankly that made me mad but I am sure that he was correct -- I just don't think I should have that problem after spending that much money on a chisel, for others it is no big deal.

   Chisels come down to personal preference and your ability to keep them sharp.  I can see why someone would enjoy using Japanese chisels but I get at least as much enjoyment from using my 2-Cherry's chisels.  -- For chisels there is little real difference that you will notice once you have their backs flattened and the tip sharpened.  If one excites you or brings you more pleasure than another then that is the one that you should use, provided you can afford it.

   If you are new to using chisels you should learn how to sharpen them and use a honing jig - veritas makes a good one.  Find a book or search the web for how to sharpen. search for "scary sharp" on the web, it is one good way to sharpen, but not the only way.

   Lastly search Knots for other threads on chisels and on sharpening as much has been written - some of it is even humorous.

   Will

2. 
   b1gcountry | Dec 12, 2002 02:00am | #5

   One of the criteria for Japanese laminated steel chisels, knifes and swords is the quality of the Hammon, or the weld between the soft and hard steel. Learned that when buying my Da a set of knives for XMas. I have no idea what makes a good or bad one, but I think uniform is good.

   Tom

1. 
   jhausch | Dec 12, 2002 04:09am | #6

   Well, I will give you all an update after X-mas.

   I am 95% sure that my wife just bought them as my gift for the holiday.

   ((((((((Don't tell her I think I know)))))))))

   I had suspected that the Japanese were not immune to varying degrees of quality; however, it is reassuring to hear that only the handle construction may suffer.

   I am familiar with the Scary Sharp method and am looking forward to the first sharpening.  I hope I don't have that brittle tip problem the one poster mentioned, though.

   I can hardly wait

   Steelkilt Lives!

   Edited 12/11/2002 8:11:58 PM ET by Jim

1. 
   BG | Dec 12, 2002 04:27am | #7

   jim,

   Congratulations...maybe...now, brush your teeth and off to bed and don't spoil it by being bad.

   I'm sure you'll enjoy them.  Just store poperly and don't bang them together..ya know, treat them like router bits..