Replies

1. 
   Marcello | Dec 29, 2002 08:22pm | #1

   mikkimel,

   I have 2 paring chisels, 4 bevel edge chisels, and 1 corner chisel.  I really like the Sorby chisels.  Will be building up for the complete set.  I think they keep their edge fairly well and can take a pounding, especially the corner chissel.  Once you start using them, I am confident you will like them.  Someone posted here not too long ago about the steel in the Sorby was not as dood as it used to be - I can't argue with that, I just know what I have now.   As far as the 2", I have not had the need for one, but you never know.  Maybe if I had it I would put it to use.  Becareful about returning gifts from your wife, if not handled diplomatically you will end up getting ties from now on, lol.

   Marcello

1. 
   IanDG | Dec 29, 2002 08:26pm | #3

   Co-ordinated posting?Did you get my e-mail to your work address about carving chisels?IanDG

1. 
   Marcello | Dec 29, 2002 08:34pm | #4

   I noticed that too, couldn't happen in a million years, or maybe a week.

   No, I did not get the email - well I haven't checked.  I am currently on vacation and haven't been to the office to check anything.  I'll go to see what you sent - it is close by. 

   Marcello

2. 
   IanDG | Dec 29, 2002 08:22pm | #2

   My carving chisels are Sorby, plus a few odds and ends that I've picked up over the years. The steel is excellent, they only need a light touch on a strop to maintain a razor edge.
   I have had an 1½" and a 2" Marples bevelled edge chisel for some years and neither of them have had a lot of use -- I'm sure the 2" could be spared.

   IanDG

3. 
   NOTRIX1 | Dec 29, 2002 08:43pm | #5

   I have a 1 1/2 inch Sorby Mortising chisel and would love a 2 inch!. I don't envision using it as a morising chisel but the added mass of these acts more like a plane than a chisel. I use mine to clean up the edgdes of mortises. It's great to rough out a mortise with a drill and just come in with the wide chisel to flatten it all out.

   I find the steel of these chisels pretty good. My 1 1/2 inch is rather new and holds an edge as well as any chisel I've had, better than most.

   Of course you can use any wide chisel for this, but I find myself reaching for the "fatty" more often than not.

   HTH

   N

4. 
   Jimma | Dec 29, 2002 11:57pm | #6

   Recently I went to a sharpening demo at the local Woodcraft during which the "expert" demonstrated several ways of sharpening and honing chisels and plane irons. When working with the Sorby chisels, he said that they were the only ones he knew of that came sharp enough out of the box and held their edges better than most. Like IanDG above, I have Sorby carving chisels and prefer them over others I've tried, but can't personally vouch for their bevel-edged or mortising chisels. I do know they are better quality than Marples and each Sorby chisel has a tiny dimple on it where the hardness has been tested.

5. 
   Haldeman3 | Dec 30, 2002 02:04am | #7

   Re: your question on Sorby Chisels.  I have owned them for almost 20 years.  They are excellent for holding an edge.  I make Soji Screens and hand chop all the mortise's and can do all of them without even renewing the edge.  I've gone thru a lot of other brands and never have been satisfied until I got the Sorby's.  I suggest you spend a little time listing just what you intend to do insofar as projects and then fit the chisels to your style. 

   Best of luck,

   Ken Haldeman

1. 
   mikkimel | Dec 30, 2002 08:20pm | #8

   So, i've found a few other postings.  And i'm gathering that the registered mortise chisels are not the way to go?  Doesn't anyone have any input on the registered mortise chisel vs. a regular mortise chisel?

   I may return the whole lot and get some others if these aren't the best.

   When i do cut mortises, i prefer to do them by hand, i'm not a pro, but these are tools that i'll have for many years and i'd hate to get down the road and realize i should have gotten something else.

   thanks for all of your input.

1. 
   bill_1010 | Dec 30, 2002 10:47pm | #9

   From your posts it seems you want to return them for what ever reasons you have.   Mortise chisels are going to be stout little buggers.   Sorbys are very nice chisels, If you do mortises then get mortise chisels.  All registered chisels mean is they have a consistent measurement up the chisel. Since you said you prefer to do them by hand then those chisels are excellent and will do the job.  If you think they are too nice for what you do then no one here can really change your mind. 

   If i were given those chisels id be happy.  They are designed to motise and do so very well.  If thats what you need then buy or use a tool designed to fit that application.  The chisels you got as a gift are in the same ballpark figure as other quality tools pricewise. 

1. 
   mikkimel | Dec 30, 2002 11:10pm | #10

   Thanks for your input bill!

   I will keep them, i was just a little worried that i'd gotten wrong kind.  For some reason i thought "registered" meant "not for what you wanted them for"

   I think they are great quality, i could seriously kill a moose at 20 yards with the 2" chisel.

1. 
   Ricky_Yu | Dec 31, 2002 01:26pm | #11

   In your original post, you asked if you were crazy to return the 2". Well, I wouldn't say crazy, but I'd definitely keep you overnight for observations. Having said that, I'm glad you've decided to keep them. They are ideal for hand-chopped mortises. I don't know if they are the utmost in quality but they are certainly near the top. I have four of these and am looking to buy more. I figure the entire set is still cheaper than a benchtop hollow chisel mortiser and a whole lot cheaper than the floor model I have my eye on.

6. 
   ChasStanford | Jan 01, 2003 02:27am | #12

   Don't return the chisel, build something big.  Sorby's are a quality tool.  Your wife did very good.