Harlan Barnhart
07-03-2009, 9:09 AM
I recently ebayed a set of four new Japanese mortise chisels (approx. 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" and 3/4"). The listing called them "Japanese chisels" but didn't mention they were mortise chisels but the picture clearly indicated thick, heavy mortise chisels. For sixty dollars I thought I'd risk it.
When they came in a denim roll with a clamp on honing guide and a decent 1200 grit water stone (as advertised), I was pleased. Except that they were beveled edge bench chisels. I sent a polite note back to the seller explaining that I didn't receive the items pictured in the auction and asked how I could get the mortise chisels since I need those but don't need bench chisels. Here is the note I got back:
Hello,
Sorry for the packing error . We will send the correct chisels
today. Please keep the bench chisels as a gift for our mistake.
Thanks
Three days later I had a set of four mortise chisels and a set of four bench chisels. I am very happy with the quality. After no more than five minutes of honing per chisel, I had them shaving sharp. They hold an edge as well as any chisel I have and look well made.
The ebay seller is goes by the name "lamiblock" but the items come in packages from Mannys Woodworkers Place, easily found on web. The bench chisel set I recieved first lists for $55 and the mortise chisels for $200. I don't know exactly what sort of mix up happened but someone over at Manny's and lamiblock has a level of character rarely seen. I recommed them as honest retailers.
When they came in a denim roll with a clamp on honing guide and a decent 1200 grit water stone (as advertised), I was pleased. Except that they were beveled edge bench chisels. I sent a polite note back to the seller explaining that I didn't receive the items pictured in the auction and asked how I could get the mortise chisels since I need those but don't need bench chisels. Here is the note I got back:
Hello,
Sorry for the packing error . We will send the correct chisels
today. Please keep the bench chisels as a gift for our mistake.
Thanks
Three days later I had a set of four mortise chisels and a set of four bench chisels. I am very happy with the quality. After no more than five minutes of honing per chisel, I had them shaving sharp. They hold an edge as well as any chisel I have and look well made.
The ebay seller is goes by the name "lamiblock" but the items come in packages from Mannys Woodworkers Place, easily found on web. The bench chisel set I recieved first lists for $55 and the mortise chisels for $200. I don't know exactly what sort of mix up happened but someone over at Manny's and lamiblock has a level of character rarely seen. I recommed them as honest retailers.