Replies

1. 
   derekcohen | Jan 14, 2007 01:28pm | #1

   Chisels for paring?

   Larger paring chisels: I have re-handled A E Berg chisels (I prefer the long handles on Japanese paring chisels) in 1/8" - 1 1/4" widths. I really like these.

   I have just one Japanese paring chisel, which is equally great in balance.

   You can see both here (Berg on lower right; the single Japanese paring chisel to the left among the Japanese bench chisels):

   View Image

   Smaller paring chisels:  I have just received a set of Blue Spruce dovetail chisels in 1/8" - 1/2" (3/4" on the way). These are about the same size as a LN chisel (which is based on a Stanley 750), but have slightly longer handles than the LN.

   View Image

   None of these chisels are for striking. If I want to do that I have the Japanese bench type. What I like about these paring chisels is that they have a delicate, balanced feel.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

   
   

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   Edited 1/14/2007 5:34 am ET by derekcohen

1. 
   Lataxe | Jan 14, 2007 02:22pm | #2

   Derek,

   I wonder if you are going to do a "test" of them Sprucers?  I lust after them but would like one of your reviews to justify my lust, as I am a sucker for in-depth analysis and nit-picking.

   Lataxe

1. 
   derekcohen | Jan 14, 2007 02:50pm | #4

   David

   It's an idea. I'd love to borrow a couple of LN chisels to compare (I have a single Stanley 750, a 5/8", which is very similar but not the same - different steel, different bevel angle...).

   Probably just easier to give you my thoughts about the Blue Spruce in a project, such as dovetailing a box... Worth a thought.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   Lataxe | Jan 15, 2007 01:45am | #5

   Derek,

   If you would give your thoughts on the Sprucers, I will absorb them like a sponge.  :-)

   Thanks in anticipation.

2. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 15, 2007 06:47am | #6

   I too am curious what you have to say about the Blue Spruce Chisels.  I think it was Mike Wenz not too long ago who stated that he really liked them.  I'll be watching for your comments on them.

   Jeff

1. 
   mwenz | Jan 15, 2007 08:47am | #7

   Yep, it was me.

   Dave Jeske does a very nice job making his tools. I'll buy more.

   Take care, Mike

1. 
   Wanda200 | Jan 18, 2007 06:48pm | #9

   Hi Mike,

   I've been doing a lot or reading about chisels lately. I just added a  hirsch firmer chisel and a massive Hirsch mortising chisel to my  small collection of hand tools.

   How do those Blue Spruce chisels compare to LN chisels which cost around $300 for a 5 piece set.

   Wanda

1. 
   mwenz | Jan 18, 2007 07:03pm | #10

   Hi Wanda--good morning!

   If I wanted to hit a chisel, especially hit 'em hard, I would purchase the LN. They from most all accounts are great bench chisels. The ones I have used in this manner have been nice to use, held an edge, fit the hand, etc.

   For paring, and in my case paring DT/joinery/saw handles, the Blue Spruce are simply lovely tools. Edge last incredibly long. They are wonderfully balanced. In short, a joy to use.

   It's a tough choice. The price is relatively close enough one to the other. I would decide based upon whether they will be general use or specifically [but not limited to] joinery. For general use, the Ashley Iles from Tools for Working Wood are I think the best value in a great chisel especially buying all at once.

   Here's what I have been telling people about spendy tools and in this case, chisels. If one has their mind set on say the LN, buy a set of the Blue Chip chisels and a single one or two in the most used sizes of the LN. Depending on what you are buying them for, that may mean something different to you than me. For joinery I would purchase a LN 1/4" or a 3/8" and a larger one. Set those sizes aside in the Blue Chips--but use them for lesser tasks--ones which may damage a chisel like around the house. Then as possible, buy one more. It spreads the cost thing out over time.

   Take care, Mike

3. 
   willingt | Jan 16, 2007 03:35am | #8

   The Blue Spruce tools look wonderful - like they would hand very well. They seem a little light, as if they might be fairly flexible, which is okay for some applications, not others. Hmmm. Another thing I like a bout them is that they are made just down the road from me. Maybe I ought to go have a look see.Thanks for the picture of your tools. Makes me want to make a good wall cabinet for mine.

2. 
   BG | Jan 14, 2007 02:40pm | #3

   willingt,
   From a look and feel perspective, if you like the Sorby's, you should look at the Two Cherries. The price is lower and the quality much better.