My problem is that even when I think I mostly know what to look for - I still end up with with 50% that don't hold up particularly better than Aldi chisels...
I suppose that's fine when you are collecting them... And in that case having a complete set in the best condition is much more important than how each one performs on wood... I totally get that. There's nothing wrong with that... Collecting is a perfectly valid pursuit... But it's not what I am doing...
And for me - having a mixmaster stack of chisels that cut well is more important than having some specific maker, markings, or vintage. I am mostly there - I just need a really good 3/4" chisel.