What is your favorite handle profile for bench chisels?

[John Keeton]

You guys use your hand tools and, particularly chisels, far more than do I. As a part of my efforts to simplify my shop function, rid myself of tools I rarely use, and shed some of the wood I have accumulated, I sold my beloved Blue Spruce dovetail chisels.

I still have a 4 piece set of standard Narex chisels I have had for several years that I use for day to day tasks. For the money, they are hard to beat - except for the handles, which are cumbersome IMO. I will grind the side bevels of the 6mm and 12mm for any occasional dovetail type work, and convert the 18mm to a fishtail, though I don’t foresee much of that in my future.

That will leave me without bench chisels, so I have ordered the six piece set of Narex premium unhandled chisels and will turn handles for them. But, before I proceed I would like input on your favorite profile for a bench chisel and why you feel that way. Thanks in advance for taking the time to comment.

[David Eisenhauer]

Realizing that each of us has a different subjective feel about individual handles or handle types and sizes, all I can speak for is what works for me. I specifically chose the Ashley Iles bench chisels for the rounded, slightly "fattish" feel of their handles to my hands. I sold off some older Sorby chisels that probably had the same quality steel in them simply for the better feel of my AI chisels. I have regular sized hands, so someone with large hands may say they don't feel any "fatness". Their length works out for me as well. I wish you luck John in chasing this down.

[ken hatch]

John,

David gave a good answer. The end result needs to be "balanced" whatever that is. Balance is kinda like porn, you may not be able to define it but you know it when you feel it. My chisels with the best "balance" are my pre-war Marples with Boxwood carver handles. Which BTW are very much like David's AI chisels.

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Click it to big it.

If the maker did not have a lathe (I know you do) the Swiss Made on top is a good alternate.

ken

P.S. I just want to add, the best wood is Hornbean. The Boxwood is great but with Hornbean you do not need to worry about using metal hammers unless you go all Conan on your chisels.

[Steve Voigt]

I like these. Don't even need a lathe.

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[Jim Koepke]

This is my favored shape when the lathe is cooperating:

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These handles are seldom tapped with a mallet. The one on the right is a short chisel and often driven with the palm of my hand.

John, did you like the handles on the beloved chisels? Would those be hard to copy?

jtk

[Michael J Evans]

I got a set of the narex richter a few months ago and really like the handle shape. Like you I found the standard handle to be pretty beefy. I don't like the old 750 socket chisel handles they are too small. In general I realized I prefer a handle that is at least the full length of my hand and slightly rounder than a broom stick, maybe 1 3/8 or so diameter.

[ken hatch]

I like these. Don't even need a lathe.



Steve,

Nice handle. What is the chisel, it looks to be pre-war.

ken

[John Keeton]

I appreciate the input you guys have given. The undhandled Narex won't arrive until sometime next week, so I still have time. I probably will use ash as I don't have any hornbeam, and I will prep some blanks once I make a decision on shape.

David, is this the profile of your AI chisels? They do look comfortable and simple to do.
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Ken, those appear to be very similar to the AI chisels, and the octagon shape is very much like the Pfeil, which is this one -
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It is similar to the octagon one that Steve posted, but has more of a swell in the overall shape. I have several Pfeil carving gouges and they are comfortable to use, but they are not used like a bench chisel might be.

Jim, I like the shape of yours, but I suspect I will be using a mallet on these chisels so the grip on them will be quite different. This is the chart for Blue Spruce handle options.

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Mine were the standard handle, and were comfortable, as well, but again, since they were dovetail chisels and used for that purpose almost exclusively, I wasn't sure they would be right for bench chisels, but......

This is the handle of the Narex Richter, which Michael has.
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It is very similar to the Blue Spruce standard handle, though a bit fatter in the area close to the ferrule. I have seen some reviews that are positive on this handle. The general shape of the body is also similar to the AI except for the flared portion entering the ferrule. So, at this point, that might make the best choice, perhaps with a couple of flats lined up with the blade??

Since these chisels will be my primary users, I am still open to other suggestions before making a decision.

[John Keeton]

I should add that the unhandled Narex do come with ferrules.

[Steve Voigt]

Steve,

Nice handle. What is the chisel, it looks to be pre-war.

ken


Hey Ken,
It's Marples, most likely pre-war; they phased out the octagonal bolsters in the late 40s.
I also like the plain boxwood handles of the type in your pic. If i get one of those and the handle or ferrule is not damaged, I leave it on.

[ken hatch]

Hey Ken,
It's Marples, most likely pre-war; they phased out the octagonal bolsters in the late 40s.
I also like the plain boxwood handles of the type in your pic. If i get one of those and the handle or ferrule is not damaged, I leave it on.

Steve,

Thanks.

I thought it was but with my bad eyes I couldn't make out the stamp. You may know I'm queer for pre-war Marples and will buy them anytime I see one that looks in good shape. I like the London pattern Ash handles as well but they are hard to find. Big thing on both is how light and, there is that word again, balanced they feel in hand when meeting steel to wood.

ken

BTW, in good shape means the back of the blade isn't pitted.

[Derek Cohen]

https://i.postimg.cc/Cx4DzqxP/Chisels4.jpg

I am drawn instinctively to the Marples. On one hand it is a visual thing - a simple line (I think that they are beautiful). It looks and feels comfortable in the hand.

But, every time I use them, I feel something is missing. My hand slips forward, and there is nothing to prevent this.

The Veritas and the Blue Spuce handles provide a rest for the fore finger and thumb. I find that this increases control. While the BS handle is slightly shorter than the Veritas, they feel very similar. Both nestles in the palm. Very comfortable.

The chisel on the right is one of a set of Stanley 750s, which I re-handled (and re-ground the lands). This handle is closest to the Marples, but with the addition of a rest for the thumb - a bit of all worlds in one.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Tony Joyce]

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The chisel on the left is an Ashley Iles MKII, next is a replacement handle I turned, next Ashley Iles Butt chisel, next same, but with handle I turned. The Ashley Iles MkII feel much better in the hand than you would think. On the butt chisels my handle feels much better to me.

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These are LN chisels with the original on the left and the larger Walnut I did for the whole set on the right. The walnut set were for a good friend.

Also all the handles I do have been stabilized.

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The two Bubinga(Ashley Iles) chisels in the middle are showing the original size(no longer available) and the newer MkII. The original felt too large in my hand, the MkII is much more comfortable.

Tony

[David Eisenhauer]

Yes John, those do look like my AI chisel handles. I measured a 3/8" and 1" chisel and came up with the following dimensions:

* OAL 3-13/16" to 3-7-8" (measuring showing wood only from upper end of ferrule to end of handle)
* Diam just above ferrule 7/8"
* Diam at widest point (approx mid handle length) 1-16"
*Diam at handle end just before it tapers down smaller at the very end 15/16"

If I were a turner, I would be tempted to turn one of the AI shape and one with the AI shape that has the finger stop shoulder Derek shows for comparison. I don't notice a lack of a finger stop, but could very well like it if it was there. Or, it could p**s me off. The Sorby chisels I used for years had handles octagonal shaped that felt OK, but they had a turned-down-to-round end with a hoop groove and hoop in place that was uncomfortable when working in harder woods.

[Ben Ellenberger]

The comment about having a finger stop is interesting. I’ve got chisels with several different styles of handles. I don’t have a strong preference for one or the other, but I think I like the shape of the Stanley’s the best. For chopping I don’t notice much difference, but they especially feel better when paring. I like how the end is more rounded than the Lie Nielsen handles. I don’t have large hands and all of these seem to be a good size to me.

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[John Keeton]

David, thanks for the dimensions and the suggestion to turn one with and without the stop on it. I am 5’7” and do not have large hands, so doing at least one prototype was my plan anyway just to make sure it feels right as to diameter. I failed to measure the BS handles before selling them. They felt good, but my dovetail adventure was more than 10 years ago.

Derek, nice selection and good comments. And, thanks to Tony and Ben for the pics and comments. Some really good info on some small nuances, such as the slightly more rounded butt on the handle.

[Doug Weiner]

Rank amateur and compulsive tool hoarder here. Maybe I’m doing it wrong but my grip is when chopping is wrapping my short fingers around the handle as I would for a baseball bat. For more delicate cuts like paring I hold it my palm from either above or below. But this is also an excuse to have multiple sets of chisels.

[Ben Ellenberger]

Now you’ve got me thinking way too hard about how I hold a chisel! I think another reason I like the Stanley shape is the slightly shorter length. I see that my middle finger rests in the groove and my thumb rests on top of the little raised area just behind the socket.

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[John Keeton]

Ben, if I am paring with a chisel I hold it a little differently, but that probably comes from years of doing some carving long before I knew good technique. Since these chisels will get varied use, including chopping, I will need to take that into consideration. Or, do like Doug and the many others that have posted pics of their multiple sets of chisels!!😄

[Jim Matthews]

If you start with a flared handle as shown by Steve Voit you could always shave a little off. Most of my chisel handling is with pre 1970's Marples.

I have experimented with hockey stick tape for grip, but a smooth, unvarnished hadle feels best.

I recently purchased a set of three Barr Cabinet maker chisels, doubtful of their handles.

As it turns out, they're easy to manipulate and comfortable for chopping. They have polished hoops, so "spirited" use is no worry.


https://barrtools.com/product-category/cabinet-maker-chisel-sets/

[Erich Weidner]

I like the London pattern Ash handles as well

What is a London pattern? (Or rather what/which is the London pattern you are referring to?) The google is showing my different things called that. :)

[Erich Weidner]

FWIW, I have three nice chisels. One each from Veritas, Lie-Nielson, and Blue Spruce. All have totally different handles, and I find all three to be comfortable, though I think I am developing a preference for the Veritas & LN shapes. (Which are pretty different to me).

One day I want to fill out my chisel "set", but I just can't decide which one I like better. Handles being a big part of the decision. :)

[Rafael Herrera]

London pattern refers to a combination octagonal and round chisel handle. It and many more examples at this link https://williammarplesandsons.com/chisels-gouges/chisels/.

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[Rafael Herrera]

Bob Rozaieski has an article (https://brfinewoodworking.com/how-to-re-handle-a-chisel/) and video (https://youtu.be/HG-SclvPPXE) on making tapered octagon handles like the ones preferred by Steve above.

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[John Keeton]

Well, I took some time from some chair work that I really want to finish up and knocked out some ash handles for the new Narex premiums. After all the suggestions and the helpful dimensions David provided, I was drawn back to the feel of the Blue Spruce handles. I did these in order 1/8” to the 1”. The first handle I decided a more flattened butt might be better. After feeling it and comparing it to what I recall of the BS I decided the remainder should have a more tapered butt.

The pics are unfinished and after a coat of Java gel stain.

I am pleased with these and look forward to flattening the backs (which actually look pretty good) and honing them and finally using them. One thing to point out that might be helpful to viewers is that the forging left some accumulation on the tang that prevented the first handle from seating fully flat on the bolster. That is shown on the other pic. Fortunately, the bolster and tang were not hardened, so I was able to easily file the area on top of the bolster to permit the remaining handles to seat nicely.

While these are nowhere near the quality of the BS, they are very nice for the money spent and I believe will work well for the limited use I will make of them. And, I feel good that the BS have gone to a couple of creekers that will get years of enjoyable use from them.

[Bob Betker]

If you weren't aware, Benchcrafted has just started offering London Pattern handles.

[steven c newman]

A Rogue's gallery..
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All my users...and where they reside...

[Erich Weidner]

London pattern refers to a combination octagonal and round chisel handle. It and many more examples at this link https://williammarplesandsons.com/chisels-gouges/chisels/.



OK, thanks. I saw Ashley Iles chisels which were called London pattern that looked completely different which is what prompted my confusion. :)

[ken hatch]

London pattern refers to a combination octagonal and round chisel handle. It and many more examples at this link https://williammarplesandsons.com/chisels-gouges/chisels/.



Rafael,

Thanks, that kept me from needing to dig thru my photo files looking for one of a London pattern handle. BTW, I'm really jealous, that is a beautiful set of cranked chisels. Did you buy them new, find them as used set, or just did the dirty work of finding them one at a time. With chisels I've done all three, buying new is a hell of a lot easier than the other two.

ken

[Rafael Herrera]

Ken, I lifted the picture of the cranked set from the web site. Unfortunately, my meager collection does not include a cranked chisel or a London pattern handle.440783

[Erich Weidner]

Interesting. My Craftsman screwdrivers have the same basic shape (plastic of course). I don't own many octagonal handled tools, but I like the feel of them.

[ken hatch]

Ken, I lifted the picture of the cranked set from the web site. Unfortunately, my meager collection does not include a cranked chisel or a London pattern handle.440783

Rafael,

Oh well, maybe some day :). I keep hoping to find a nice set like that before I fully retire and can no longer afford to buy them. Which BTW is approaching at near the speed of light :p.

From the photo it looks as if you have all that is needed. It is easier that way. While it is nice to have a chisel for every need it is also a PITA to store and keep them sharp and free from rust. The only reason I can get away with my collection of tools is living in AZ, anywhere else I'd be down to a basic set.

ken

[Phil Gaudio]

Late to the party, again. Here are some Berg chisels that I re-handled. I tried to replicate the Blue Spruce Paring handle.
https://i.postimg.cc/NfR78wp8/IMG-3170-zps6c018f16.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bsNt84Xd)

[Jim Koepke]

Those look great Phil. Is that maple?

jtk

[Phil Gaudio]

Thanks: yes, some maple scraps leftover from my bench build. Some nice curl on some of them.


Those look great Phil. Is that maple?

jtk

[Jack Frederick]

I prefer a faceted handle. My hands don’t have the touch and feel that they once did and thefaceted handle seems to communicate better for me now.

[mike stenson]

Interesting. My Craftsman screwdrivers have the same basic shape (plastic of course). I don't own many octagonal handled tools, but I like the feel of them.

Screwdrivers are generally shaped like that, so you can use a wrench to help turn them :)

[ken hatch]

Screwdrivers are generally shaped like that, so you can use a wrench to help turn them :)

One of the many reasons I love English Turnscrews is the flat on the shaft.

Some of my Turnscrews, handle and blade are close to perfection:

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ken

[john davey]

For me I like the simple shape of this old Swan paring chisel. I plan on making some similar for an inexpensive set of Aldi chisels I have that have pretty bad handles on them...
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