Selecting a new Bench Chisel Set

[ForumMFG]

Within the next couple days I am going to be purchasing a set of Bench Chisels.  I've had my eyes on the Blue Spruce bench chisels for a long time now but as I do with any of my tool purchases I do the research so I make sure I get the best possible tool that fits my needs.  So, I have been trying to look online at other chisels companies and I have not had good luck finding any other companies that make great chisels like Blue Spruce does.  Can you guys recommend some companies that produce outstanding chisels?  I am not interested in Japanese Chisels.

-Dave

Check out blue spruce @ http://www.bluesprucetoolworks.com/

 

[jeffinsgf]

The Blue Spruce tools are stunning and incredibly well made.  I am sorely tempted by the dovetail backed skew chisels.  However, for actual working bench chisels, I'm not sure that I would spend that kind of money.  Here's a link to a very nice set of German made chisels similar to what I use on a daily basis.  They hold an edge well, sharpen easily and have served me faithfully for almost 20 years.

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/product_info.php/products_id/3819

 

[ForumMFG]

Thanks for the info Jeff.

I read a great review on the Lie-Nelson bench chisels but the only down side on these chisels were that they didn't keep a sharp edge very long.  Anyone have these chisels?

 

[jeffinsgf]

I have a set of Lie-Nielsen's.  Much like I would be with a set of Blue Spruce's they sit in a box looking lovely, but don't get used much.

Edge retention is a highly subjective and completely over-rated evaluation of a chisel.  The first thing you have to accept about edge tools is that they are going to get dull and you have to be equipped and trained to sharpen them.  No, you don't want a chisel to get dull while making one cut, but to think that you're going to find some super duper tool steel that only has to be sharpened once a blue moon is folly.  Buy some good chisels and spend the difference between them and a set of museum pieces on some sharpening equipment.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I'm with Jeff.  With the exception of hand cut dovetails, I find myself using a min-priced set for day to day work.  Ergonomics are very personal, so don't be shy about trying out lots of different types and returning anything that doesn't feel perfect.

 

[woodguy7]

I have a full set (10) of "Two Cherries" chisels from Germany which i use for my day to day use at the bench.  Superb chisels & not that expensive.  I also have a set of Lie-Neilson chisels which i keep for special jobs.  I prefer the Lie Neilsons but they are much more expensive.  The "Robert Sorby" chisels are also supposed to be excellent, but i don't have them.  The Ashley Iles is a nice set also.

http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/twocherrieschisels.htm
http://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/
http://www.getwoodworking.com/news/article.asp?a=978

Woodguy

 

[Mac]

I'm with Woodguy; I have a set of the Two Cherries (Kirschen) chisels and rate them very highly. They look similar to the german ones Jeff linked to, actually. I like them because the handles are graduated in size to match the blade, which seems quite rare nowadays.

 

[mwhafner]

I say buy what you really want, and never look back. 

As others have offered, it may be a good idea to look for a "user set" for everyday tasks, but it really depends on what type of work you do.  I wouldn't use a really nice chisel to cut a hinge mortise in an old door.  You never know when you will run into an unforeseen nail. 

I would suggest the Narex chisels (available at Highland Woodworking and Lee Valley), for an everyday set.  They rate well against the mid-to-high-range offerings, and are only about $60 for a set of 6.  The only complaint I have is that the edge tends to roll a little too easy when working with extremely hard woods (Lingum Vitae, Bubinga, etc), but have not had any issues with common domestic hardwoods. 

Make sure you develop a good sharpening technique, if you haven't already.  A Tomek is on my wish list, but I haven't taken the plunge yet.

 

[justinmcf]

i highly recommend harold and saxon chisels. i just got a set 2 weeks ago and they are the most beautiful chisels i have ever had the pleasure of using.
but be warned, there is a waiting list.......

check out trents website.  haroldandsaxon.com

regards, justin.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I'd highly recommend the Blue Spruce Tools.

The LN's are made of A2 and need to be sharpened at 30 degrees whereas most traditional chisels are sharpened at 25 degrees.

I have a set of Eric Anton Berg chisels which are made in Sweden many, many years ago and really like them. If you can find a set on EBay or through a used dealer they are worth getting .

Dan Clermont

 

[ForumMFG]

Thanks guys for all the advice!

 

[johnsonri]

I have had the Narex chisels and a Work Sharp 3000 for about a month now. The combination works like a dream!!! I was VERY surprised with the level of sharpness that I am able to get...and maintain.

Rey

 

[bruegf]

I'll second the WS3000.  I'm sharpening "challenged" - odds are even as to whether a chisel will be sharper or duller if I try sharpening w/ a stone.  With the WS3000 I can shave w/ a chisel in a couple minutes.

I just bought a set of Two Cherries chisels and they're great (based on my very limited usage to date).

Fred

 

[ForumMFG]

I ended up going with the Blue Spruce chisels.  I should have them next week and I will post pics once I get them.

 

[mwhafner]

Third vote for the WS3000. 

I'm not sure I would use it (or any other power sharpener for that matter) on a $700 set of chisels, but it works great for my stuff. 

 

[polarsea1]

I love the WS3000, I also have an old 10" Prairie Grinder - I use them on my two drawers full of mismatched, ancient cast steel chisels. [laughing]

 

[ForumMFG]

Well, I got my order in yesterday from Blue Spruce.  

(5) piece bench chisel set  (Quilted Western Big Leaf Maple)
Marking Knife (Curly Maple)
Scratch awl (Curly Maple)
16oz Mallet (Quilted Western Big Leaf Maple and African Blackwood)

The pictures only show 4 chisels because I was sent (2) 3/4" chisels and I didn't get the 5/8" so I sent one back.

These tools are absolutely beautiful and feel great in the hand..  I just got them yesterday and haven't had time to try them out yet plus I have some honing to do on the chisels.

-Dave

 

[woodguy7]

Really nice set.  They almost look to good to use  [embarassed]  I  think it was these chisels that won the "best chisel" test in Furniture & Cabinatemaking magazine in the UK recently.

Look forward to seeing what these beauties produce  [big grin]

Woodguy.

P.S - Are they expensive in the states.  They were by far the dearest in test here.

 

[Mac]

They're beautiful Dave, I hope you really enjoy them. I like the mallet a lot, too.

Rick

 

[ForumMFG]

I used a different wood on the Mallet and Chisels so my order was a little more.. Total damages were $660.  It will be well worth it.