Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Mar 12, 2021 09:58pm | #1

   Consensus mid range right now seems to be Narex.

2. 
   esch5995 | Mar 12, 2021 11:21pm | #2

   Narex Richters to be precise they are the best of the Narex 3 lines, of course you don't mention a price range. The Richters are as good as chisels costing twice as much and come in a nice wooden storage case to really make a nice gift.

   I will clarify. Narex has 3 lines of bench chisels, bench chisels are the best all purpose chisel, the standard line is kinda of bleh and is what you expect for economy chisels, their "premium" line is okay and for years was considered a best value brand, but they will need some tuning that could intimidate a new woodworker, the Richter line was introduced to celebrate their 100th anniversary and was designed to compete with the best chisels in the world, brands such as Lie-Nielsen, Veritas, Blue Spruce, etc and by all reviews, and my sons experience, they do this very well. They are also ready to use out of the box with only the slightest of honing.

   Upon further review the 5pc box set appears to have been a limited time offer and may no longer be available. In fact all the Richters may be hard to find, but then what tools aren't right now. Amazon is still offering individual Richters for sale just no sets. Lee Valley, Highland Woodworking, Taytools all seem to be sold out.

   
3. 
   thebardowl | Mar 12, 2021 11:23pm | #3

   A second on the Narex chisels. I recently purchased two Narex chisels: atop-of-their-line straight paring chisel and the same level of production bent-shaft paring chisel. While I haven’t had much opportunity to use them yet—they’ve only been in my shop for a week or so—I’m happy with them so far.

   The straight paring chisel was as near purely flat on the face as I can imagine; the other only very slightly off that, and easily lapped to flat. Both sharpened well and made some nice basic cuts in some scrap wood. I’ve used the straight paring chisel a bit since, and it’s done exactly what’s been asked of it.

   The fit & finish are acceptable or better; the handles are not glossy/slick smooth, but have a very slight palpable texture that has not bothered me and will wear and smoothen with time and use. Both came with an applied finish-like edge protectant that I was able to remove by rubbing with an acetone-soaked rag.

   I’d happily buy these again if the need were to arise. They make a set of bench chisels to the same level of workmanship and finish, and I expect that they are equally pleasing in all regards.

4. 
   lat_axe | Mar 13, 2021 04:43am | #4

   Most of my chisels are the low and mid-range Narex (no Richter) and I would recommend them for the various reasons given above. The steel is well-made and at RC59 +/-1 are easy to resharpen with any sharpening medium. Narex make many sets but also many types of chisel. There's a wide choice.

   Narex are made in the Czech Republic.

   Another high quality good value brand is Ashley Iles. Their dovetail and cabinet-maker chisels are both sold in sets (not usually boxed, though) or individually.

   Iles are made in England.

   Chisels are not just about the steel, though. The ergonomics (handle shape, balance, etc.) are important so if possible get the recipient of any chisel-present to have a fondle of some options to see what suits.

   *******
   For a novice starting with edge tools, a practical sharpening regime is needed. I'd recommend a honing guide and 3M microgrit papers stuck on float glass as effective but economical and easy.

   Another adjunct to include might be a subscription to this website, which has reams of info on, well, everything woodworking - including loadsa stuff about chisel use and sharpening them.

   Lataxe

5. 
   john_c2 | Mar 13, 2021 05:04am | #5

   Depending on when you want this, your choices may be limited. It seems like the demand for tools is way up, and most tools are on backorder. I'd suggest to order early if you can.

6. 
   wschurch | Mar 17, 2021 09:06am | #6

   I can't thank everyone responding to this post enough and appreciate the time spent and the thoughts expressed to provide this advice!

1. 
   john_c2 | Mar 17, 2021 11:57am | #7

   What did you do!??!

7. 
   wschurch | May 03, 2021 04:28pm | #8

   Just wanted to follow-up on the outcome of my request for gift suggestions. You all were on the money when you mentioned that these might not be readily available. Initially, I was only able to find single chisels. However, I added my name to a wait list with one vendor and was notified that the set of 5 with presentation box became available and I was able to purchase it.

   I think it was the perfect gift. My colleague is not particularly demonstrative but I think the gift hit the mark and he seemed pleased. So thanks again, everyone. I made sure to let my friend know how helpful this community was.

1. 
   john_c2 | May 03, 2021 07:25pm | #10

   Great!

8. 
   _mj_ | May 03, 2021 05:01pm | #9

   Nice!