Replies

1. 
   Alex_Higgins | Mar 19, 2002 04:03am | #1

   *
   Money no Object: Japanese Iyori Hand-made chisels
   Best Bang: Marples Blue handle chisels. (Mine)

   The Marples hold a decent edge, and the handles seem indestructible. I use them for paring only. If you are chopping mortises, get a set of registered mortise chisels. I had a few Crapsman chisels early on. They really are useless.

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Mar 19, 2002 06:02am | #2

   *Robert,Money no object: Stanley #16-903s (contractor grade)Best bang for the buck: Stanley #16-903sWhy? Because they fit in my hand perfectly and they hold an edge been using 'em all my woodworking life. Have no idea who made my mortising chisels; they were given to me by my Great Uncle. All I know is that they are Pre War and made in Germany.Tried a set of Marples Blue Chips after over an hour of trying to back lap the 1" chisel with little progress, I gave 'em away...IMO, fit should be a primary concern, a cramped hand is not only uncomfortable but, not very safe either...FWIW.Dano

1. 
   PDReynolds | Mar 19, 2002 08:57am | #3

   *I would go for one of the British made brands with sheffield steel. Sorby or Henry Taylor make excellent tools. I've got a set of the Marples boxwood chisels and they work and feel just right.

1. 
   WillOBrien | Mar 20, 2002 08:15pm | #4

   Robert,

   I am in the same position as you are in terms of needing (wanting) to purchase a set of chisels. The only thing that stands between me and a set to Two Cherries is my putting a crowbar in my wallet and paying for them. Here is what I found:

   FWW did a rather good review of a wide assortment of chisels, I believe it was in 1999, and rated them for hardness, price etc. You should get a copy and read it.

   You should also search in the threads for a discussion on chisel comparisons. A Fellow did what seemed to be a rather good analysis that largely backed up the FWW comparison and went a little further if I am not mistaken. He published his findings in the thread. I believe it was created within the last 4 to 6 months. He concluded that the Two Cherries is probably the best combination of price, hardness, ability to sharpen and retain an edge etc.

   Based largely on these two studies and misc. comments in threads it seems rather clear to me that, for the most part, one’s decision on which chisel to purchase and use is primarily based on personal preference and how it feels in their hands (obviously another personal judgment). The differing levels of steel hardness can be measured in a controlled setting but (particularly for a hobbiest) can not really be noticed by an individual. The ability to properly sharpen a chisel and keeping it sharp are probably the more significant indicators of whether one will like the chisel or not.

   Some manufacturers have differing levels of quality. Based on anecdotal evidence from posts in this forum, Dano’s experience of having to spend an undo amount of time flattening the back of a Marple’s chisel is not uncommon. I have one Marple’s chisel but I didn’t have much of a problem flattening its back. I have heard multiple people make positive comments and multiple people make negative comments about Marple’s so I conclude that Marples’ quality is inconsistent. Secondly those blue handles just look really cheesy to me – another personal judgment of course.

   Japanese chisels are considered top-of-the-line by many woodworkers. They are pounded by hand, which is interesting but doesn’t necessarily make them better. They have very high quality steel but when I talked to a fellow from Japan Woodworker about why my ½" Japanese chisel has a couple of small nicks in the blade (it has never been dropped by the way and always stored in its pouch) he told me the manufacturing process makes the edge rather brittle. He said that I should use sand paper or a stone (don’t use a grinder on Japanese chisels) to get rid of the nick. Then I will have worked through the brittle material and shouldn’t have that problem anymore. I haven’t done that yet so I can’t share my experience with it, just that I was rather pissed that I have to do that much repair on a rather expensive chisel. Chipping of this nature is common with Japanese chisels he said.

   Two Cherries Chisels are rather well known but not as common as many other chisels. I have not heard anybody complain about any aspect of Two Cherries. The fellow that I mentioned earlier that did the study concluded that Two Cherries has the best balance of hardness / quality / price. I was generally leaning that direction too but his opinion took me off of the fence so I will purchase a set of Two Cherries in the next few weeks.

   If I were getting the best bang for the buck chisel I would get the Marples from a big box retailer and exchange any chisel that I couldn’t flatten the back on in a reasonable period of time.

   If I were buying a set of chisels and money is no object I would probably NOT get the Japanese Chisels because of the chipping. Maybe that makes me a ninny but it really hacks me off to have such a problem with such an expensive tool. So I would probably go with the Two Cherries. They go for about $20 per chisel which is not the most expensive but not cheap either, when you are buying a set.

   Second choice for the "money is not object" category of chisels might be a Sorbey. This is primarily because my local Woodcraft store carries them. I like supporting local wood working stores when possible and I like the ease of returning to a store more then returning via mail if I have to return something. I don’t know how their price compares to Two Cherries (I think they are more expensive but am not sure) but I understand they make a rather good quality chisel.

   I hope this helps and I would be interested to know if others agree with, disagree with or can add anything to what I found.

   Will

1. 
   Rob_Weiner | Mar 20, 2002 08:20pm | #5

   Thanks to all for your feedback and insight.  I did find that review of chisels in the archives, and I will dig that FWW article out of the cellar.

   Peace.

   -Rob

   P.S.  The best price I have found on two cherries is here:

   http://www.right-tool.com/setofsixbeve1.html

   Edited 3/20/2002 1:24:56 PM ET by Rob Weiner

2. 
   WillOBrien | Mar 20, 2002 08:37pm | #6

   Rob,

   Oh baby baby did you help me out.  That reference will save me about $3.00 per chisel.  I found a mail catalogue that had 4 chisels for $75.99 but I would rather have a full set of 6 or $96.95.  Thanks a lot for passing that along.

   Good Luck with your search and let us know what you decide to purchase.

   Will

3. 
   vanderpooch | Mar 21, 2002 12:06am | #7

   i ordered a set of the veritas house brand plastic handled butt chisels this fall for my school shop. they were very easy to sharpen and flatten (the backs were the flattest of any chisel i've ever had) and have held up well to the abuse my kids put them through. they make them in full length version as well. my workaday set are blue chips. haven't tried the stanleys but after a couple of good reviews might check them out.

   i also have some hand made japanese chisels in very small sizes that i use only for dovetailing. they are 1/16" 1/18" 3/16" 1/4" approximately. got them from misugi designs in berkeley. they are excellent. many japanese chisels need to be rebeveled to 30 degrees to hold up to harwoods. remember, too, that the smaller the chisels gets, the less force is needed to get the same result as a larger chisel. i barely have to tap these tiny ones. i will admit, the 1/16 is pretty damn hard to sharpen free hand..... fwiw.

   good luck

4. 
   AntzyClancy | Mar 26, 2002 01:30am | #10

   Japanese chisels prone to chipping?  That's the first I've heard of that.  I can't see how they would have obtained such a high reputation.  Are there any more data points on this issue?

   Todd

5. 
   WillOBrien | Mar 26, 2002 03:10pm | #12

   Clancy,

   You have me and Dave as data points for the chipping.  I would encourage you to call Japan Worker and talk to one of their guys, particularly if you are considering buying a number of japanese chisels.  They will tell you about the chipping, how to repair it, why it happens etc.

   Dave,

   Thanks for the write-up on your experience, it was very helpful.  By the way, do you keep a wide assortment of chisel and never get a matched set or do you sell off duplicates as you build to a matched set.  After having 3 different makes of chisels (Japan, Marples, Buck Bros.) I decided I wanted a matched set when I am done so I ordered the Two Cherries.  I'll let the other chisels just hang around my shop forever.

   Will

2. 
   mwinkle | Mar 22, 2002 03:43am | #8

   Have found the Marples chisels to be quite satisfactory.

1. 
   texastom65 | Mar 26, 2002 01:06am | #9

   I, too, had been looking for a new set of chisels to replace some Marples that I have been struggling with for years, and decided on 2 Cherries.  For another source on the 2 Cherries chisels, check out http://www.mikestools.com .  I recently found this site because they had the 4 chisel set (in a wooden box) on e-bay.  Ended up getting them for $45.  While I was paying for them on the web site, went ahead and filled in with some missing sizes.  Should be getting them any day now.

1. 
   mwinkle | Mar 26, 2002 05:31am | #11

   Thanks -appreciate your taking the time to share your experience.  General tone of this chat room seems to be heads above other woodwork rooms.

2. 
   WillOBrien | Mar 26, 2002 03:17pm | #13

   Tom,

   Thanks for the reference to Mike's Tools.  I need to build a list of good and economical tool sources.  They have great prices on Two Cherries!

   Will

3. 
   WillOBrien | Mar 26, 2002 11:03pm | #14

   That was more good information Dave, thanks.

   Will

4. 
   WillOBrien | Mar 30, 2002 04:44am | #15

   Well they just arrived!!!  My new set of 6 Two Cherries chisels (1/4" to 1") and they are B - U - T - Ful!!!!!!.  Their handles are nice and thick.  They have a mirror shine on both sides and they easily cut the hair on my arm right out of the box.  I won't put them to wood until tomorrow but so far things look great.

   I think I need I cigarette ;)

   Will

1. 
   sschefer | Mar 30, 2002 09:02am | #16

   Is a cigarette another type of chisel ? Just curious, I've never heard of the brand before. Are they Japanese, American, German, Swiss, what..... Do you buy them in a six pack or eight or maybe a twenty pack?

   Just kidding, congrats on the new chisels... I'm still paying of the new Jet 18" Band Saw...Chisels are next on my list.

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

   Edited 3/30/2002 3:18:16 AM ET by Steve Schefer

2. 
   Rob_Weiner | Apr 01, 2002 06:10pm | #20

   To All-

   I decided to go for the two cherries chisels as well, and I am very pleased.  One annoying thing I noticed, there is some kind of coating -- like lacquer -- on the chisels.  When you first sharpen them, remove this with some sandpaper or you will get gunk on your stones.

   I thought the sharpness out of the box was good, but not great.  I spent an hour or so sharpening the set of 6, and afterward, they were a real treat to work with.  I had been making through dovetails in some curly cherry, and struggling for a while using some chisels that really don't hold an edge.  I was amazed at how much difference a good set of chisels can make.

   These chisels hold an edge well when being pounded through wood.  They came with a steeper sharpening angle, but kept their edge.  The handles fit my hands nicely.  I spent the afternoon making shavings and am very pleased with the performance.

   To all interested, I heartily recomment these chisels.  Thanks to all for the advice and help in making a chisel purchase decision.

   Peace.

   -Rob

1. 
   texastom65 | Apr 01, 2002 08:29pm | #21

   I, too, just got my 2 Cherries this week.  Like you said, they weren't very sharp out of the box...but I didn't really expect them to be ready to go anyway.  I spent about 2 hours sharpening and getting that annoying finish of them.  Razor sharp now. 

   I haven't gotten to use them yet...spent the weekend making some new jigs.  hopefully before the end of the week I'll get to try them out on some dovetails.

5. 
   Joby | Mar 30, 2002 04:05pm | #17

   Best bang for thebuck is the Marples Blue Chip.  I wouldnt know about others becuase i havent bothered to try the others

1. 
   wedghead | Mar 31, 2002 02:30am | #18

   I have a set of Marples that I am quite happy with. The backs were reasonably flat from the factory, they hold a good edge, and seem pretty indestructable.

2. 
   user-394086 | Mar 31, 2002 07:20am | #19

   I've got a  set of "Buck Bros" chisels from Home Depot.   I used them to clean out waste from some drill press made mortises and I had to sharpen the 1/4" one (the width of the mortise) three times.  I know that you're supposed to use a mortising chisel, but I don't have one, and I didn't want to buy one yet because if I can help it, I'm never going to do them this way again.  The router is far and away the better method, IMO.

   Anyhow, I'm on the third sharpening for this project, and I'm still using that 1/4" one to pare out some waste between some split mortises and it's getting dull again.  I'm wondering how long a chisel should stay sharp with this kind of use. (not the mortising, but the paring)  I'm not at all surprised the the Home Depot house brand chisels aren't any good, but when I bought them, I wasn't sure how much I'd use them.

   About the Marples Blue Chip:  People say good things about them, but usually not the people who have tried the more expensive German or Swiss chisels.  I think it's time to head over to Amazon or some other such place and do some more shopping.  I remember reading a FWW review of chisels, and "Blue Steel brand did pretty well.  Are they so hard that they're going to chip on me and cancel out any good effects of staying sharp longer?

   Now, about sharpening.  I've been doing it with a Veritas angle jig.  When I get them done, they're razor sharp, but they don't seem to last too long.  I don't think that jig has a steep enough sharpening angle available to make a durable edge.  Since it takes 30 minutes of hard hand grinding to grind out all the chips and touch up that secondary bevel, I'm getting pretty tired of it.  My question is does that hand honed edge last longer than an edge made on a belt sander (Tage Frid style) and if so, how much longer?  I'm sure it only takes a few seconds to sharpen a chisel that way.

   I still don't know what to do.  Any suggestions from people who've been here?

6. 
   gwcarpenter | Apr 01, 2002 10:50pm | #22

   Robert,

   Answers: Day to day/construction grade, either the Stanley (England) commercial or Marples with Phenolic/acrylic handles. Smack it with whatever's nearby. The Marples have better reach, but chip more.

   Woodworking: Pfeil. I know what the FWW article said... matter of fact, I bought my complete set off a guy who got freaked over the FWW

   article. Sold them @ 30% off... to go buy some Sorby's. Idiot.

   I've had no problem with the Pfeil's at all. I sharpen on either a King composite waterstone, or on my Tormec.

   ( They're so good, I once used one as a lance, just to have a peek inside my hand. 12mm inspection window. Yep, look at those thingys wiggle around in there,

   time to find a butterfly, some fast-set instant glue, and some anti-biotic ointment.)

   I've four Japanese chisels, none of which are in current use.

   I've one wide Sheffield chisel, made as a store-brand for a major Woodworker's mail order supply. (Takes a poor edge, and loses it fast.)

   I've one prized tool, a 20 year old 68mm Japanese Slick. What a wicked good purchase that was. $60.00 back then, $150.00 now.

   If I could figure out who made it... I'd buy another for a spare.

   (Garrett Wade was the retailer then.)

   -gwc