Your favorite current production chisels

[John C Cox]

Hey guys

I would appreciate your opinions on your favorite current production chisels.

Primary use will be paring and general bench work.. My main wood hobby is acoustic guitars - so the edges can't roll when I work exotics like rosewood.. But they need to be able to take a keen edge for paring spruce - which tends to be very fiberous and not nearly as easy to work cleanly as you would think.

I am not looking for mortise chisels. Just good bench chisels.

I am looking for what you guys think of the chisels you use...
What has worked out well
what was mostly a bust.

The reason I ask about new, current production is that my experience with old rust is more miss than hit if you catch my drift.

Here are some I have been looking at...
LN
LV PM-V11
LV O1
Stanley sweetheart (new, not old)
Stubai
MHG
Pfeil
Ashley Iles
Two Cherries/Hirsch

Thanks

[Prashun Patel]

I am happy with both my LN's (1/4" and 3/8" fishtail) and LV PMV11's (3/8", 3/4"). I find the LN's to be a little dainty - even for my smaller hands. But I prefer that for the smaller chisels (personal preference).

Personally, I tend to resharpen fairly frequently when using bench chisels for detail work, so I don't notice the reported edge-retention benefits of my PM-V11's vs the LN's A2. I find both just as easy to sharpen, both to be well made, and both to take a fine edge that has not let me down yet.

If I were making a choice between the two, (FOR ME) it would honestly be about ergonomics.

[Terry Beadle]

Hello,

What about Narex....great value and very good performance.

[Mike Henderson]

I have the LV PM-V11 and the LN A2 chisels and use both. Both are good. LN probably holds an edge a bit longer but not enough to make a big difference.

Mike

[William Fretwell]

I only have one set of production chisels with no other sets to compare it to. All my favourites are not production chisels so it's hard to get excited about any production chisels, sharpen, whack and use.

[lowell holmes]

My favorite is the Lie Nielsen followed by antique Stanley 720's and 740's.
I have Narex mortise chisels as well as bents. I would not be afraid of them.
They are quite good.

[Pat Barry]

I recently bought a set of Narex bench chisels. I have found them to be very good. What I like about them is the grip is a bit on the large size and is more oblong / faceted than round so I get a very good grip. The handle is also a bit longer than my other chisels so they feel better for heavy paring work where you more or less lean into them. They came very sharp and I used most of them before I sharpened just because I wanted to see how they would do.

[Mike Brady]

How about shortening the list? I would remove the Stanleys and the above suggested Narex, Two Cherries, Ashley Iles. I had prior negative experiences with these and would not recommend them for your application. Of the remaining choices, I would recommend the LN and either of the LV's. The European brands are outside of my experience. I use Lie-Nielsen, A-2 and O-1 versions.

[steven c newman]

Still have that 4pc set from Aldis..( sold at Aldis every Fathers' Day) and I am getting tired of getting cut fingers, and not even feeling it. Until I see a little DNA on the wood, I have no idea I had been cut. Mirror polished right now, I strop the chisel merely to keep it sharp, haven't needed anything else for quite a while now. ~$7 a set....
.355691

[Nicholas Lawrence]

How about shortening the list? I would remove the Stanleys and the above suggested Narex, Two Cherries, Ashley Iles. I had prior negative experiences with these and would not recommend them for your application. Of the remaining choices, I would recommend the LN and either of the LV's. The European brands are outside of my experience. I use Lie-Nielsen, A-2 and O-1 versions.

I recently bought and did a brief review of the Ashley Iles bench chisels. At the time I posted the review I had not used them extensively. Since then I have used them quite a lot, and I am beyond pleased. I would recommend them to anybody. Both U.S. Distributors (Tools for Working Wood, and The Best Things) seem to be stand-up folks with solid return policies.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I have the full set of Lie-Nielsens and I have the Veritas butt chisels. I love them both. Certainly the PM-V11 is good stuff, but the A2 LN steel has similar qualities- holds an edge very well, and has excellent grain structure. Lie-Nielsen cryogenically quenches their steel and it is of the highest quality.

The one thing in your post that caught my eye is paring. A big plus for the Lie-Nielsen chisels is you can swap between the striking handles and the paring handles. I love that, but at the same time I also hate when a handle comes loose unexpectedly. This is easily fixed with hairspray, which adds just a wee bit of friction. Since learning that trick, I have never had a handle come loose.

[Brian Holcombe]

I have two sets of chisels for such purposes.0

[Jim Koepke]

Looking at one point of the OP:


Primary use will be paring and general bench work.. My main wood hobby is acoustic guitars - so the edges can't roll when I work exotics like rosewood.. But they need to be able to take a keen edge for paring spruce - which tends to be very fiberous and not nearly as easy to work cleanly as you would think.

This is one of the reasons there are multiple sets in my chisel arsenal. For paring a low angle is preferred. Some of my Buck Bros chisels are as low as 15º. These can pare end grain like nobody's business. Such a low angle will not stand up to many mallet blows.

Derek Cohen did some tests on chisels both chopping and paring:

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/ChiselBladeTesting-5Steels.html

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/ChiselParing.html

Most likely the best way to determine the best product for your needs would be to buy a few different chisels to test under your conditions.

Maybe if another member lives near you they might have one or more of the brands you list and let you come over for a test drive.

jtk

[Stephen Rosenthal]

I know it's not on your list, but if you can afford it consider Blue Spruce paring chisels. I have a set of 5 LN bench chisels that I like a lot, but got a 2 for 1 deal on 1/2" & 1" BS paring chisels from a friend that I couldn't pass up. These supposedly excel for instrument making. I use them only for precise delicate work and prefer them over the LNs for that purpose, but acknowledge that they are expensive and would not have put out the cash for them had I not got the above-mentioned deal.

[John C Cox]

I have 2 blue spruce paring chisels. I love the handles and they are beautiful... but the edges don't hold up real well for me. In most tests I have seen online - they seem to shake out mid-pack when it comes to edge retention related stuff - and that's also my experience.

[Jeff Ranck]

I'm a LV O1 guy. Like them a lot. I like the pattern and handles. O1 takes a keen edge and is easy to touch up (which I like), although you do have to touch it up more than the other steels.

I have an older set of 2 cherries and would agree that they aren't worth it. I'll be selling/giving mine away during a shop clean up in the not too distant future.

[John C Cox]

Interesting that there isn't a lot of love for 2 cherries....

[Dave Cav]

I like longer socket chisels for paring, but I haven't seen any contemporary models I like, so I have put together a collection of vintage paring-length chisels I that work for me, mostly 720s and a few other odds and ends. Greenlees, if you can find them, seem pretty good, too.

I also have a set of Narex bench chisels which I usually reserve for rougher work, but they are well made and seem to take and hold an edge very well.

[Patrick McCarthy]

my favorites are the BARR Quartons, full set, hands down my go to choice. Second place to Lie Nielsen with the long cocobolo handles for paring. Third is the regular handled LN's. I bought all three of these sets new.

Back from when I started, I have used sets of Two Cherries, Crown and Marples which I keep for rough work and for loaners . . . . and actually prefer the older Marples of that group.

I recently got a set of BS paring chisels from another member here, have used them somewhat, seem okay but not overly impressed yet . . . actually, a bit disappointed as I really wanted to like them.

If I were forced to choose one of the BARR sets vs all the others combined, there would not be a moment's hesitation in choosing the BARR . . . but I would cry a bit about the long handled cocobolo LN's.

[ken hatch]

Hey guys

I would appreciate your opinions on your favorite current production chisels.

Primary use will be paring and general bench work.. My main wood hobby is acoustic guitars - so the edges can't roll when I work exotics like rosewood.. But they need to be able to take a keen edge for paring spruce - which tends to be very fiberous and not nearly as easy to work cleanly as you would think.

I am not looking for mortise chisels. Just good bench chisels.

I am looking for what you guys think of the chisels you use...
What has worked out well
what was mostly a bust.

The reason I ask about new, current production is that my experience with old rust is more miss than hit if you catch my drift.

Here are some I have been looking at...
LN
LV PM-V11
LV O1
Stanley sweetheart (new, not old)
Stubai
MHG
Pfeil
Ashley Iles
Two Cherries/Hirsch

Thanks

John,

The first questions to ask before narrowing in on a brand/type of chisel is: How do I like to sharpen? Freehand? With a jig? Oil stones, water stones, diamonds, or a combination of stones, grinder or not? How important is "sharp" and how often do you like to sharpen? All of those factors have more to do with suitability than Brand. You have already mentioned the type of wood you use that also comes into play. A-2 needs a high angle to prevent chipping, not so good for soft woods. O-1 can be sharpened to low angles but woods with a lots of grit will dull the edge quickly. PM-V11 fits kinda in between but works best with a grinder and water stones. After thinking about those factors you need to find chisels that "fit your hand". Different things drive different folks bonkers, such as I can look at the Narex chisels and tell if they were free and were made of wonder iron I'd never want to use them. Again different strokes for different folks but bottom line there is no one "best" chisel.

ken

[Kevin Adams]

I also like Barr as a go-to chisel. They are very rugged, get really sharp and hold it, and I just like doing business with the maker of the tools. I like his handles better than the LN's, too.

Kevin

[John C Cox]

Sharpening is not an issue for me. Like most of you - I know the sharpening paraphernalia rat hole all too well.

Interesting about the Barr chisels... You don't hear too much about those except in timber framing circles. The wood working mags that have tested them generally rated them mid pack...

[steven c newman]

I picked those Aldi sold chisels of mine, AFTER watching Paul Sellers posting a video review of them. Been using them HARD ever since. This coming Fathers' Day, I'll have them 3 years..I think.
355729
Chopping out sockets for the face frame rails to sit in. Never needed to sharpen during the entire project build. A few quick "Strop swipes" on the jeans was more than enough to keep it sharp. couple on the bevel, one on the back, and keep on chopping...about all I ever ask of a chisel, is to do the job I need done.
355730
Works for me...

[Patrick McCarthy]

Sharpening is not an issue for me. Like most of you - I know the sharpening paraphernalia rat hole all too well.

Interesting about the Barr chisels... You don't hear too much about those except in timber framing circles. The wood working mags that have tested them generally rated them mid pack...

Guess I haven't seen the reviews to which you have reference. However, I think Christian Becksvordt (?) is a big fan, and I know Steve Latta has one that he would immediately replace if it got lost. I do know what I like, and I have a fair supply available from which to choose. Sadly, I have more tools than talent, but I be trying. Try them or not, obviously your choice.

also, if you rely upon the reviews so much, why the heck are you asking us? Just go with whatever that reviewer said was best. Whatever you get, sharpen it and make something. Good luck. Patrick
t

[Rob Luter]

I have a set of LN Socket chisels that I like a great deal. They were all but perfect right out of the box. I also have a set of UK made Irwin/Marples that I use for rougher work. They perform well too. The Irwins took forever to prep for use though. The backs were far from flat.

[george wilson]

I'd like the 2 Cherries better if they didn't buff them to death,and round off their edges doing so. You can't get a square edge on the chisel's bevels with those round edges. Hirsch is the same.

I'm still using my old 1965 set of Marples chisels,though I'm sure there are better. The OLD(Emphasize OLD) set of Marples is just fine. New ones may be too soft. I haven't tried a new set of Marples,but everyone says they are too soft.

IF I EVER get around to re handling my new set of Pfiels,I'm sure they will give great service just as their carving tools do. And,I have used those carving tools in preference to all others,since the mid 1960's. Being a carving tool pig,I can speak with a lot of experience!!:)

[William Fretwell]

When you compare production chisels to a few hand made Japanese chisels you quickly learn to treat the production chisels with the contempt they deserve. Perhaps some production chisels deserve even more contempt than others. Must try those Aldi chisels on fathers day!

[David Ryle]

Ken,
what are your reservations about Narex,other than the lands being a little chunkier than I like, they have performed well for me,take an edge and keep it for what I perceive to be a reasonable length of time,and are quick to resharpen. I haven't had issue of edge failure in any species that I work with,admittedly almost all native species,but there are some nearly buggers out there. All in all they do what a chisel is supposed to do,cut wood. To be fair I also own LN and they're great,bought for me as a gift from my lovely wife God bless her,and they also do what a chisel should do,cut wood, my only gripe is they feel a little small in my hand,but then again I have hands the size of a bear.

[ken hatch]

Ken,
what are your reservations about Narex,other than the lands being a little chunkier than I like, they have performed well for me,take an edge and keep it for what I perceive to be a reasonable length of time,and are quick to resharpen. I haven't had issue of edge failure in any species that I work with,admittedly almost all native species,but there are some nearly buggers out there. All in all they do what a chisel is supposed to do,cut wood. To be fair I also own LN and they're great,bought for me as a gift from my lovely wife God bless her,and they also do what a chisel should do,cut wood, my only gripe is they feel a little small in my hand,but then again I have hands the size of a bear.

David,

I will grant you everything you say about Narex chisels, I have no doubt they are very good chisels too many folks swear by their use. My objection is size and handle shape, I should have been more explicit in my post, the point I was trying to make, I admit very clumsily, was just because a chisel works great for one person with wonderful edge holding iron doesn't mean it will fit you. My hands are medium sized and I find smaller round handles, such as AI and Japanese bench chisels, work better for me.

Bottom line is: What will work for a individual isn't from a spec sheet or what another person thinks but comes from knowledge and thinking about how you work.

ken

[Frederick Skelly]

Still have that 4pc set from Aldis..( sold at Aldis every Fathers' Day) and I am getting tired of getting cut fingers, and not even feeling it. Until I see a little DNA on the wood, I have no idea I had been cut. Mirror polished right now, I strop the chisel merely to keep it sharp, haven't needed anything else for quite a while now. ~$7 a set....
.355691

That's funny! I have a set of the Aldis too - and get cut the same way. :D

[Shawn Pixley]

I use my Pfeil for paring. My LV PM11 are used for chopping. I have LN fishtails that I like. I like the all.

If I had a lot of money, there are some Japanese chisels I like.

[Jeff Ranck]

The steel seems weird to me in my 2 cherries. I have a hard time getting a good edge. I have no knowledge of metallurgy so I can't tell you what is different. However, the steel seems to be a bit more "chewy" and it is hard to get the wire edge off of the steel. Of course, the problem could be in the operator. I just know that for me, they are a lot harder to sharpen than my LV O1. Plus, like George said, they round off all the sides and buff them to death.

[David Ryle]

Ken,
that makes perfect sense, I think that's why I have never found Japanese chisels very comfortable and as a result have not been tempted to purchase,also I have an aversion to "collecting" blame my wife, she has shoes dating back to her early twenties were now late fifties, we have had a series of "discussions" about them every time we have moved.
david

[Tony Zaffuto]

AI "roundback" for dovetails
Narex for General bench work
LV PM V11 from for edge longevity

I have a few of each, but one of the LV, and a crapload of other new and vintage