Replies

1. 
   JAllen9301 | Dec 07, 2002 05:58am | #1

   This reminds me of a post I read on another forum about Japanese forging technique...

   Apparently a number of Japanese chisels are made with methods similar to the katana swords carried by the samurai in feudal Japan: a blank of pig iron was folded and hammered 200 times to create over 3,000 laminate layers of very high carbon steel. This steel sharpened to and held an edge so keen that the sword was tested by seeing how many convicts it could cut in half in a single stroke. The downside was its brittleness; a man of average strength could stick the sword in the ground and break it in half. I've always been wary of japanese chisels for this reason, although I am looking into some hand forged laminated plane blades. I use Marples chisels in the shop, but mine aren't the blue ones, mine have boxwood handles. They've always served me well and require only occasional honing.

2. 
   BG | Dec 07, 2002 02:01pm | #2

   Warren,

   I did not see your study, I wish I could.  I read one recently that had Marples on top and the others you mentioned down the list. It appears the criteria that is used makes all the difference.  In the study I read the key variable was  retaining sharpness...after how many chops, etc.

   I'm trying to select chisels right now.  High carbon steel sharpens beautifully but durability is limited.  With different alloys, sharpening becomes a little harder..but durability is improved.  I'm kinda thinking start choping with the durable chisel and moving to the high carbon for the finish and paring.  Other than that, its all about personal feel and personal taste.  I like the feel of the japanese ..not too heavy..and being a little shorter seem easier to chop with when sitting down...but that is me.  What I don't know is if i put a 15-20 degree bevel on them for paring...would the brittleness become an issue 

   I love the look of  the Swedish, Sorby and Two Cherrie chisels.  These are alloys and should be less brittle with a better sharpness retention.  However, I have not tried any and don't know about the feel.  

   Isn't LN comming out with chisels?  It will be interesting to see how they balance the issues..

   For right now, I'm gonna buy onesie, twosie and have fun choosing...maybe carving tools have some of the answers I'm seeking.

   
   

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   Edited 12/7/2002 6:06:57 AM ET by BG

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Dec 07, 2002 04:44pm | #3

   I believe FWW on Small Shops has an article on chisel tests followed by a brief rebuttal.  In the rebuttal, the author points out that the differences used in the test are actually quite insignificant and that with the exception of the cheapest chisels, they all perform quite well in actual use.  He recommends going with chisels that feel comfortable in your hand.

   He also points out that only the end of Japanese chisels have high grade steel (only on the cutting end), this being forged to a lesser grade on the remainder of the tool.  Goes back to the time when steel was difficult and expensive to make.

   Jeff

4. 
   LarryPile | Dec 07, 2002 09:16pm | #4

   Hi,

   I use the standard blue-handled Marples brand. 

   As a fairly-new (3 years) woodworker, it's easy to get tempted by "better tools = better craftsmanship"...and the equally dangerous 'high price = better quality". 

   I've begun taking a series of hand-tool classes with an English-trained Master Jointmaker..who has been building furniture for 40 years..by hand..and can justify any tool that he wants.  He uses, and recommends, the Marples as of good user-quality, that function well.  He sharpens his chisel EVERY time he uses it..just keeps a diamond stone on the bench and gives it a few laps..and then a few strops...

   For a "user" the Marples are fine.  If you want an heirloom to will to your kids, get something pretty and expensive.  But don't confuse the two purposes.