Who Makes a Good "Value" Chisel?

[Holbren]

I am on the hunt for higher end and value based chisels. I think I have settled on the high end but was wondering what folks like for a good value minded set. Doesn't have to be the lowest cost but respectable quality at a fair price.

[ChrisD]

If I were to splurge on chisels, I would get Lie-Nielsen's five-piece set with a leather roll for $300.

However: mikestools.com has a Two Cherries 6-piece set in a wooden box for $139!

http://www.mikestools.com/500-1561-T...ooden-Box.aspx

For now, I'm happy with my 6-piece Blue Chips which I got for $30!

[Holbren]

The two cherries I was thinking were on the higher end. I knew somebody would mention Marples and it's that class of product I'm interested in. Maybe the $30 to $50 range.

[wardprobst]

I am on the hunt for higher end and value based chisels. I think I have settled on the high end but was wondering what folks like for a good value minded set. Doesn't have to be the lowest cost but respectable quality at a fair price.

Marples and Sorby from England, Hirsh from Germany, it's harder to say with Japanese chisels.
DP

[Holbren]

Thanks DP. I'm told Hirsch and Two Cherries are the same chisel from the same factory.

Anything you can think of in the $50 per set range? Does Buck Bros still make them?

[ChrisD]

This Czech-made set for $58?

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...504,43500&ap=1

[SARGE..g-47]

I have a set of Ashley Isles which I prefer over Two Cherries or the Hirsch (which are basically the same chisels). The steel in the higher ends are of a higher grade and it would be difficult to answer the question of which is the best? When you get to that level of chisel, it is more of a decision of what handle and chisel balance fits your hand and how does it balance when it it put there, IMO! When you get around to mortise chisels.. another discussion as the structure differs vastly from bench chisels.

I also have a set of Marples I purchased back in 1973 that are excellent, but the metal grade was much better than the current ones. The set of marples now availble will work fine, just expect them to sharpen them much more often as they will roll with heavier work. The current ones will take longer to flatten the back and gain and initial edge and will not keep it as long as the higher grade chisels. But that doesn't mean they won't work fine put in the right hands! ha.. ha...

Regards...

[LJR]

I have a similar set of Narex to what ChrisD linked to. Decent set, they will hold an edge very well. Also have a set of Stanley, plastic handle, bevel edge which I think came from some discount place and they are also of decent quality. I'll use out of either set whenever I don't want to "risk the good chisels".

[cabinetman]

Brian

For that price range you can't beat Stanley or Buck Brothers. Yes, Buck Brothers still makes them. I've got Buck Brothers crank neck chisels from the early 1900's that are still going strong. As for bench chisels, I like the metal capped handles, if there is any hammer or mallet use. With proper care and sharpening I have no complaints with either Stanley or Buck Bros. I'm still using my Stanleys after 35 years. Some are getting shorter.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[D_Epler]

Two-Cherries is supposed to be really good quality for a "reasonable" price...all depends on your definition of reasonable (and tightness on the wallet)...

Otherwise some folks like the Marples blue-handle ones - but mine don't keep an edge long...

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/M...tegory_Code=GL

[Knottscott]

I've got Marples, Narex, and Stanley chisels that I consider to be value chisels. They're roughly comparable to each other in overall quality but excel in different aspects....I suppose one of the more important considerations is how it feels in your hand. I like the feel of the Marples handle best, but the blade is long and a bit more cumbersome than the Stanley.

[maxparot]

I have a set of Marples chisels that I have found to hold a very good edge. I reserve them for times when it need a fine cutting chisel. For those times when the job calls for rough work or abusing the tool, I have a few Stanley chisels that I don't value as much.

[Richard]

I haven't seen the name "Footprint" in this discussion yet. What is the general concensus about these chisels?

[Holbren]

I haven't seen the name "Footprint" in this discussion yet. What is the general concensus about these chisels?

Thanks Richard, always looking to find a new company. I wish they talked more about the steel and it's hardness.