SWAN NECK CHISELS

[jmarkflesher]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31YBJH9ZWHL.jpg  Just asking before I order. I need to clean out the bottom of several mortise slots. I plan to order a 6mm (1/4") Swan Neck Chisel by Two Cherries for $68 delivered. Is there a better brand? Do the Japanese make the same type? Anyone have experience using one? Thanks ahead, MARK

 

[mouppe]

I tried one once and I didn't see the point of them. When you lever them against the rear wall of the mortise (they are levered in use, not struck with a hammer), I had to be really mindful not to crush the wall and ruin the look of the mortise hole. I just went back to using a regular bench chisel.

And because the back is convex, it makes me think they must be quite hard to sharpen.

(But Lee Valley sell a Henry Taylor swan neck chisel for $34 and their gouges are quite good.)