Grizzly Japanese Chisels

[ken257]

After reading a review in a magazine and doing further research on the web I ordered a set. The 10 piece set was $150, pretty cheap. So far I have only worked on two of them. They took a very sharp edge in no time at all using stones. The steal is laminated and you can see the line running down the chisels as well as the color diference. One layer is to take and hold a keen edge, the other for strength. Out of the box they are a little rough in the fit and finish department but with a little TLC these look to be very promising and the price is right.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

I have a few Japanese chisels that I got from Japanese Woodworker.  These were the lower priced ones.  These are as yours, can take a very sharp edge, etc.  But I have to be a bit careful with them.  The edge tends to chip quite easily.

However the dish in the center makes grinding out the chips problematic.

So I appreciate their benefits, but they certainly aren't a tool for every man!

 

[ken257]

You are correct that Japanese chisels are not for everyone and I am sure they will chip if beat on. A compromise has to be made in the steel type and hardness vs. edge holding and utility. The reason for the laminate is to add some utility to the harder steel that takes and holds a edge. I do have 2 pocket knives that are also laminated and they are quite nice. I needed a set of chisels to use for finese work like fine tuning a joint... I do have other chisels for rough work and more for general use. So far these are looking like they will fill the void nicely.

 

[jaredwayne]

I just bought a set of the grizzly chisel.  I was very skeptical!  After about 45 minutes per chisel of work: removing the lacquer, setting the hoop and sharpening the set on a worksharp 3000 the set performs flawlessly.  I have used the lie nielsen a2 bevel edge chisels, yes the are incredible and yes I will by a set when i can afford them. 

That being said for the cost of the grizzly chisel set and a worksharp 3000 you can have an amazing set of chisels. I use mine every day, i also keep my worksharp near my bench with a leather strop attachment to keep them honed.

Please keep in mind that you will spend a considerable amount of time preparing the chisels, but upon completion you will have a 10 peice!! set of excellent chisels.  I would also recommend getting the david charlesworth handtool book and his dvd on chisel preparation.  He does not use the worksharp 3000 but you can apply his theories to a different medium - psa abrasive.

hope this was helpful.

 

[jaredwayne]

BTW, I beat the crap out of my grizzly set and they really keep an edge.  I know you are not supposed to pry a japanese chisel because of the nature of the laminated steel, but when hoggin out mortises i do it all the time and i have yet to break an edge.  i have been using them for a month now every day and i have yet to regrind the back or bevel.

 

[tallgrass]

the problem about the hollow is not a problem. there is a special tool for pressing the metal down near the edge so there will always be a hollow and a flat. the problem is that most do not know this so eventually you sharpen into the hollow.   hence the need for the press.