Popular Woodworking 2006-08 № 156, страница 42

SHOP-TESTING BENCH CHISELS

Beginning woodworkers like to ask me what brand of chisel they should buy. They are looking for a chisel that keeps its edge and doesn't cost too much.

Years ago I tested entry-level bench chisels in my workshop in New Jersey; I repeated the test again this year with some new chisels. All the chisels were 1" wide, or the close metric size, 25mm.

First I sharpened all the chisels myself. Then I marked off a series of lines about Vs" apart on a large piece of red oak. Using my carpenter's mallet, I chopped off two lines of wood with each chisel. Then I compared the edges to see how dull they had become.

My conclusion after this test was the same as it was in my first test: I think the Blue Chip chisels (which are now made by Irwin) are a good bargain. A good chisel for a good price. PW — FK

I don't need to know metallurgy to know a good chisel. I tested these tools using a real-world test in my shop.

Here you can see the lines I marked on the oak and how I chopped to the line.

The chisels I tested (left to right): Nooitgedagt, Hirsch, Ashley Iles, Robert Sorby, Stanley, Narex, Irwin Blue Chip, Japan Woodworker-brand white steel, Matsumura-brand white-steel and Buck Brothers.

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Popular Woodworking August 2006