Narex chisels

[ear3]

Based upon some mentions on the FOG, I picked up some Narex chisels, since I'm in need of a decent though not wallet busting set of bench chisels:
http://www.amazon.com/Narex-Imperia...?ie=UTF8&qid=1462897969&sr=8-9&keywords=narex+chisels

On the packaging, though, I noticed that there are several lines of Narex chisels, and it looks like I got the one that is the lowest grade (Wood Line Plus (8116).  If you look on the Lee Valley site, it seems like the set they offer is the mid-grade line (Wood Line Profi 8105).  Does anyone know the difference between these two lines, and is it worth upgrading?  When you factor in the group discounting price, the 10pc Lee Valley set is just as good a value at $128 as the 8 pc one I got through Amazon for $99.

In terms of the metal, though, they both seem to have the same specs, chrome-manganese steel hardened to Rc59.

 

[grbmds]

Only differences I can see are the handles and the Lee Valley site says their Narex chisels are made to their specs and have a blade hardness of Rc59. The Amazon site's version has different handles (not as nice but may only be looks) and their description says the hardness is Rc58. I don't know if that's a mistake nor whether a difference from Rc58 to Rc59 would even be significant. If I had choice, though, I would likely buy from Lee Valley instead of Amazon because I would believe Lee Valley at last knows what their selling and may have had them made a little different just to be a bit higher quality. Then again, I'm kind a sucker sometimes on this issue.

 

[ear3]

Thanks.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the product description I saw on Amazon it did say Rc59.  In any case, it does look like it might be just the handles that are different.

Only differences I can see are the handles and the Lee Valley site says their Narex chisels are made to their specs and have a blade hardness of Rc59. The Amazon site's version has different handles (not as nice but may only be looks) and their description says the hardness is Rc58. I don't know if that's a mistake nor whether a difference from Rc58 to Rc59 would even be significant. If I had choice, though, I would likely buy from Lee Valley instead of Amazon because I would believe Lee Valley at last knows what their selling and may have had them made a little different just to be a bit higher quality. Then again, I'm kind a sucker sometimes on this issue.

 

[GarryMartin]

Thanks.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the product description I saw on Amazon it did say Rc59.  In any case, it does look like it might be just the handles that are different.

Amazon does say RC59 but I believe they are RC59 +/-1 anyway so not sure it matters that much.

You'll see the bevels are different not just the handles. Here in the UK interestingly, the cost would indicate that the "premium" vs. "value" is the other way around to how you're suggesting it [member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] i.e. the 8116 is more expensive than the 8105.

See here for some good information on the ranges;
http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/Narex_chisels.html

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the link [member=1943]Garry[/member] Martin That's just the info I need. Btw, looks like everyone is getting in on the FOG redux avatar.

Thanks.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the product description I saw on Amazon it did say Rc59.  In any case, it does look like it might be just the handles that are different.

Amazon does say RC59 but I believe they are RC59 +/-1 anyway so not sure it matters that much.

You'll see the bevels are different not just the handles. Here in the UK interestingly, the cost would indicate that the "premium" vs. "value" is the other way around to how you're suggesting it [member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] i.e. the 8116 is more expensive than the 8105.

See here for some good information on the ranges;
http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/Narex_chisels.html

 

[GarryMartin]

Btw, looks like everyone is getting in on the FOG redux avatar.

It's all about showing a collective desire to get the FOG back on track as a friendly, warm and informative place where everyone is welcome and where differing opinions are always respected. Join in!  [big grin]

 

[DrD]

[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member]

Metallurgically, the wood will not be able discern the difference in R58 v R59 hardness, and I dare say, neither will you.  As long as the handle material allows for some shaping into a comfortable grip, you're most likely good to go.  I bought a complete set of Narex chisels - got them from Lee Valley - though a few years back, and the on the blade are:
          "narex  chisel size in mm "Cr-Mn Steel Made in Czech Republic
and the markings on the handle are:
          "narex  Made in Czech Republic". 

So, I can't help with the items nos you have.  To be sure, I'd go with Lee Valley.

I'm very impressed with them; backs needed little work get them scary sharp flat.  Followed Bob Cosman's procedure for sharpening/honing bevels; after some extensive use on mortises in quarter sawn oak for a Morris chair, they still shave without pulling or skips.  I think they represent great value, are easy to sharpen, and are (or were) way less expensive than anything else - most all of which DID NOT have flat or easy to flatten backs.  Have fun!

Don

 

[DrD]

Just logged onto Lee Valley, and their set of bevel edged narex, with the dark brown-grayish handles, appear to be like the ones I bought from them a few years back - as I said, good chisels.

Don

 

[ear3]

I think all the Narex chisels have that profile.

Part of the difference is the Chisel Cross Section...
Narex Premium 6-Piece Bench Chisel Set

 

[erock]

Man, I need to stay away from this forum.    You guys are getting into a brothers wallet.  Seems like I find something I want to buy every time I log in.    [embarassed]

So,  I picked up the Narex set.    [cool]
3mm to 50mm.  I've been wanting a good metric chisel set for a long time. 

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[attachimg=2]

Thanks for twisting my arm [member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member]    [tongue]

Eric

 

[ear3]

De nada [member=8352]erock[/member]

 

[DrDrey]

Yes, there are several lines of Narex chisels.

One line is Richter Extra Bevel Edged. The Richter series received Cryogenic Treatment. According to Narex:  "Following initial hardening, cryogenic treatment is performed which cools the steel down  to −190° C (-310° F) using liquid nitrogen. This alters the mechanical properties of the steel at the molecular level greatly increasing its strength, toughness and wear resistance."

I have two Narex Richter (1" wide and 3/8" wide). They show an outstanding workmanship. The arrived sharp, and I did not feel they needed sharpening or honing (I do not consider myself an expert chisel user). From using them I concluded that if I need other sizes, Narex Richter is at the very top of my list.