I'm looking to upgrade my chisels for finer woodworking tasks. I've been using some old Craftsman, Nichols, and Marples chisels, which have been okay, but now I want to move up to better quality ones. I've considered Japanese chisels, but there are so many options out there, it's a bit overwhelming. Ideally, I'm looking for high-quality chisels that are still reasonably priced. Any recommendations?
4 Answers
I suggest buying one chisel at a time to find what works best for you. You don’t have to get a matching set. If you use a specific size a lot, like 1/4" or 1/2", consider investing in a Veritas PM-V11 chisel. It’s a great, high-quality choice that can last a lifetime. After that, you could get a Lie-Nielsen for another size. If they’re too pricey, Lee Valley’s house brand is a budget-friendly option that’s also worth trying out.
For utility chisels, WoodRiver is my favorite. They work well and are really comfortable to use. I recommend their 6-piece set for general use: https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-bench-chisel-set-6-piece
You’ll hear a lot about Narex chisels, but I wasn't a fan; they felt way softer than my budget chisels and required too much sharpening. For quality, Lie Nielsen chisels are excellent, but they are on the pricier side.
I've been really happy with my Lee Valley chisels. They've been around for 20 years and work great for me. You can get a set for a little over $100, which is a solid deal! Check them out here: https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/chisels/bench/30028-lee-valley-bevel-edge-chisels
For the money, those are really good. I can back that up!
Thanks for the advice!