Replies

1. 
   Glen | Oct 13, 2005 04:43am | #1

   I'm no expert but I've always thought that it was a question of strength. A mortise chisel will have squared off sides so that it is very strong. It is also sharpened at a higher angle because this gives it more strength. A standard chisel will have tapered sides so that it can fit easily into small places, like a dovetail socket. It will be sharpened at a low angle because it is often just used with hand force for paring. A firmer chisel is firmer than a standard or paring chisel and it has higher sides. This makes it more suitable to a multitude of tasks but not as good as the more dedicated chisels for specific tasks.

   I have the Lee Valley version of the Two Cherries mortise chisel. It is a huge and substantial tool. I've noticed that it can take a lot of abuse without chipping or losing its edge. Not that I ever abuse such a fine tool, but chopping mortises is kind of abuse. It is basically treating a chisel like a nail, and then pulling it out and doing it all over again. I know I can't do that with my Marples Blue handle chisels or they would chip in no time. However when paring or doing other "lighter" work, they are the obvious choice.