Marples Chisels

[ryan.s]

Rockler has certain sizes of the Marples chisels on sale for 50% off right now. 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8. So I was ready to pull the trigger when I noticed they sell two different types of chisels. So what's the difference between the Pro Touch model versus the Blue Chip model versus the Marples they sell at Home Depot (at least the older ones that were made in England). I'm assuming since the Blue Chip chisels are made from high carbon steel they'll hold an edge better than the Pro Touch models? The HD ones seem identical to the pro touch model. Are the Blue Chips that much better or does it not make too much of a difference for this price point?

Pro Touch
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...filter=marples

Blue Chip
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...filter=marples

[Pappy]

I'm not sure there is a difference other than the handles. I have the Pro Grip and they hold a good edge.

[gary]

I think the Rockler sale chisels have the metal running all the way through the handles. My current Marples chisels don't have that. Might want to check what you have.

[cabinetman]

The Blue Chip chisels seem to be more for paring. Looking at the site, the Pro-Touch series has a set with "strike plates" which look very interesting as an all around type chisel.
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[eddy merckx]

I ended up buying both sets last winter. I initially got the Pro Touch chisels at HD. They are good for the money but I had a hard time keeping the sharp edge intact when I was attempting to learn to cut dovetails by hand. I then got the Blue Chip chisels which are definitely made of harder steel. These worked really well and stayed sharp much longer. Those Blue Chip chisels have gotten some really high reviews in the past, despite their lower price.

I now use the Pro Touch chisels for general work and save the Blue Chip chisels for more delicate work.

Eddy

[siliconbauhaus]

I bought the HD marples (metal striking area on the handle) and was more than a bit annoyed to find out they weren't made in blighty but in china.