otis04 said:
If you are looking for top quality made in America, Lie-Nielsen is very hard to beat. Highly recomended.
Add me to the Lie Niesen list. I like the socket design. I can change from a normal handle to a paring handle(long) with a couple of taps on the work bench. One chisel is really two. I also like that Lie-Nielsen also has a YouTube Channel Like Festool to help with how to type questions.
I have some Woodcraft chisels, a few Swiss made(Pfeil) a Two Cherries, and a couple of old Stanleys. All but the Woodcraft were ready for use as is or with a little flattening and honing. The Woodcraft took a little more work, but after flattening and sharpening, they work surprisingly well. Like any other cutting tool, all work well when sharp.
I use Either Waterstones, Diamond stones and or sandpaper. If you don't have a grinder, or a fancy jig, you can use a cheap jig a and make board with stops set at different lengths to so your chisel will be set to the angle(s) you desire. Once the angle is set, you can use glass and self stick sandpaper(cheapest) or waterstones. I've used from 80 to 400 to "re-grind" My Primary bevel, then went to higher grits to Hone/ polish the edge. Once you flatten the back of a chisel, the edge can and should be quick maintenance. Often all you need to do is rub the chisel on a strop(scrap piece of leather) to keep the edge. If you can cut paper with just the weight of the chisel pressing in or shave your forearm you know you're sharp.
[flash=200,200]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F7q5WGb4ZA[/flash]
Though the attached video discusses plane blades, you can use the stop jig for chisels as well. *Note: Never use the ruler trick for a chisel. You want the back of a chisel to be flat as possible. Not necessarily the entire back, but a must at the business end.
I like my Glen Drake mallet:
http://play-glen-drake.com/v-web/ecommerce/os/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=54&osCsid=dfa9cd1853a358d605eeff006a301c78.
It is expensive, but it is really well made. I've used other mallets when necessary, but I just like that Glen Drake mallet when I need one. It isn't all that often though. I can usually cut fine with a sharp chisel and light to moderate pressure.