Narex Richter VS. Stanley 750 Chisels - Tool Review Tuesday

[@katzmosestools]

*Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* lddy.no/stih *Narex Richter Chisels (all sets, gift pack and singles)* lddy.no/ussg *Canvas Chisel Roll I use and like (only $9.99)* lddy.no/ussh *Stanley 750s (8 Piece)* amzn.to/3cSCT7H *Stanley 750s (4 Piece)* amzn.to/3cSCT7H *Narex Angled/Skew Chisels I mentioned and like for getting in super tight dovetail corners* lddy.no/usso

[@hassleoffa]

Call it the Katz-Fracas

[@billystray7007]

That link keeps bringing up a 5 piece set without the 1/8 " chisel

[@youtukang]

😊😊👍👍👍

[@skwalka6372]

You can't judge the flatness of the back by its shiny finish. The reason is the deviations from flatness that matter in precision woodworking aren't large enough to impart visible distortion to the reflected image when the reflecting surface is so small. The Richter are great chisels, but their backs aren't flat, even though they shine like a mirror. The out-of-flatness is concentrated very near the cutting edge and is probably the result of the buffing they do to get that mirror shine. Precisely because the rest of the back is very flat, extending the flatness all the way to the edge is a lot of work. Except for this detail, the Richters are excellent.

[@didz2064]

"Toolsday" is the ultimate name for Tool Review Tuesday, just saying...

[@doubledarefan]

RR Buildings already took that one.

[@makmoose7219]

“Chisel falls and hits the cement floor head first!” Oh the humanity. Makes me cry even thinking about that

[@jimurrata6785]

Wouldn't the handles dry out and shrink _in winter_ ?? And swell tight in humid summer

[@reistlin7776]

Правду говоришь

[@NT78982]

I just spent 4 hours stone sharpening a set of new Stanley’s I inherited from my dad. I would happily pay the difference to start with a better product. Thanks for the review!

[@scottcallan3897]

I just recently bought the Richter chisels. I was just about to buy the IBC chisels, but the Richter's are just amazing. Really consistent, beautiful to work with. I was concerned about these at first because I saw you using the Sweethart chisels in one of your videos and thought I might have made the wrong purchase. WRONG, I love these Narex chisels, no one would go wrong with these. Thanks for all you do.

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Wood by Wright does a full scientific review of all major brand chisels that is a great resource

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

He actually felt that the Richters were the best chisel, even against brands like Sorby, Pfeil and PMV11s from Veritas. Based on some real intensive testing as well.

[@egbluesuede1220]

@@TimRoyalPastortim go back and look closer. The Richters weren't "the best" in that review, but best for the money and based on his personal user criteria, which is different for everyone. That's an important distinction to remember when someone say's a tool is the best.

[@TheVimeo]

@@egbluesuede1220 what are the best in your opinion based on the results from his video?

[@petrsidlo7614]

@@TheVimeo I think Veritas PMV 11 but I cant say for sure, Narex Richter was a lot cheaper, but was really close to the best in testing

[@egbluesuede1220]

@@TheVimeo As noted below, the PMV11 imperically finished higher in James tests, but at three times the cost of Richters. I personally own Richters and like them for the cost, hardness (less sharpening ;-) and narrow edges. But, I was a little disappointed with how much flattening I had to do with the backs. Mine weren't as flat as the ones JKM reviewed, and had a pretty bad hump in a couple in the set. I have some cheaper richters and some only stanleys, and all made mediocre dovetail joints.....but I'm thinking it's probably not the fault of the chisel.

[@frantiseksram9741]

Fantastic timing! I've got one narex mortice chisel, and that's it! Certainly going to buy more, and now this vid helped!

[@jasondoust4935]

A few years back, I lucked into a set of Narex mortice chisels with the big hornbeam handles. They're lovely to use. Just watch out for the edges. Mine were second hand and had light surface rust. When I polished them up, I inadvertently sharpened the 90° edges. I didn't know that you could cut yourself in a 90° edge until then. Never felt a thing until I saw blood in the job!

[@frantiseksram9741]

@@jasondoust4935 already cut myself on those 90 degree edges... 🤦‍♂️ Mine was brand new, and I didn't see it coming. I had to ease up those with a sand paper.

[@fcschoenthal]

Two Tool Duel - I'd like to see one on fret saws to use on dovetails. The Knew Concepts vs another fret saw. Could include why a fret saw instead of a coping saw. - Chris

[@Ham68229]

The thing about these "comparison's", everyone seems to forget that, it boils down to what works best for you. For me, I have a set of Stanley Sweethearts and 2 different sets of Narex. I'll continue using my Narex, for me, they're the best. Again, each their own and it's what works for you. Great video, cheers :)

[@davefeinglass9118]

1:17 "However, these are the best chisels I've ever used, hands down, not even close". So I just spent 4,732 hours researching chisels and watching video after video. You could have saved me a lot of time by just making this video three weeks ago:). Seriously, I got the Richter set and when they arrived, picking them up for the first time, it felt like a part of my hand, just a perfect fit, perfect balance, perfectly flat and justy a thing of beauty.

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

Great, honest review. Truly appreciate this review. Glad to see a youtuber not saying a hobby woodworker needs a 100 dollar chisel to do nice work. Looking forward to some more of these head to head reviews.

[@jaymzx0]

Paul Sellers is a very well-regarded teacher and craftsman (check out his channel) and he recommends a $10 four-piece chisel set from the local (UK) grocery store! Of course you're going to need to flatten and sharpen them like any chisel, and the steel may not be RC 62, but his reputation is built using these cheap chisels as his go-to set. paulsellers.com/2014/08/which-chisels-should-you-buy/

[@markhagstrom2659]

I just replaced a set Stanley chisels for Narex Richter chisels because of the problem you described about the Stanley's I would take a chisel off of the wall and the chisel would fall off the handle and on to the cement floor. Which required sharping again. Thanks for the review!

[@tonyalways7174]

I just bought a set of 5 Richters. I’ve known of Narex tools for quite a few years and their engineering history in the Czech Republic but I’ve never owned any. Delivery is due tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to seeing them up close because every review I’ve seen is singing their praises.

[@TBrown67]

I have literally been trying to decide between these two sets. Absolutely impeccable timing!

[@justinsane332]

richters, you wont regret them

[@MrMaacin05]

@@justinsane332 just bit the bullet. Do you know why the front bevel is ground at 24 degrees and not 25?

[@justinsane332]

@@MrMaacin05 hmm, tbh, i didnt notice that...im speculating, but perhaps it is so you can quickly sharpen a 25 degree bevel for pairing and still have a relief angle? making sharpening faster would be my guess, but i sharpen mine to 30-35, and have been under the assumption main bevel was 25

[@MrMaacin05]

@@justinsane332 I think you hit the nail on the head. That would make perfect sense to be multifunctional. Really smart thinking Justin that was impressive logic

[@justinsane332]

@@MrMaacin05 its but a guess, but the only one to really make any sense to me...did you get a set or did you buy individuals? if you have an entire set, how was prepping the backs? i had great luck in that mine were almost perfectly flat, but i only have a half and an inch, and ive heard some complain there backs took a long time to flatten.

[@kellibreckenridge9665]

I think a great name could be "Honest & True Tuesday Tool Review"

[@MarioG2912]

Just received my Narex Richter chisel box set from Taylor Tools last week. I love them. I can't say enough about their customer service. Some companies make it a pleasure to spend one's money. Just sayin'. There was a defect on one of the chisels and Krystal from Taylor Toolworks had a new one in my hand within days. You are also the third reputable woodworker that I have seen to endorse these chisels. It makes a fella feel pretty good about the purchase.

[@michaelassouline667]

I also own a set of the Richters and I am very pleased with them. Great value AND great quality

[@christophermccormack1721]

JKM just purchased a bunch of your items and also am using the Stanley SW's. Love your channel, love your work, I definitely aspire to be able to do work like you. Now I am going to look at buying the Narex. Keep up the videos they are truly a big help to guys like me. Cheers

[@shanemelville]

I bought the Narex Ritcher set from Taylor tools about 8 months ago. I watched wood by Wright where he does an extremely comprehensive chisel review with many different brands & he chose these Narex Ritchers. I love these chisels they are a pleasure to work with I find myself grabbing them for clean up jobs cause they hold there edge so well.

[@ryanglick3894]

Just ordered the Narex Richter Chisels. Got the 5 piece and added an 1/8 inch. I have now some Buck Brothers and I’m always sharpening them.

[@murphymmc]

Jonathan, I've picked up your dovetail jig, (a while back), I have your shop apron. Both quality goods and reasonable prices. I've learned that when you off advice, it's worth listening. I've picked up stuff from Mike at Taylor Tool works through some of your recommendations, haven't been steered wrong . Mike is stellar. You are as honest as they come, many thanks for the vids and tool recommendations. Oh yeah, I'm waaay older than you and have been in the building trade for 40 years, very little I haven't done in that arena. Woodworking? Always wanted to and now am. Appreciate the tutorials and tips.

[@SandyMasquith]

Thanks Jonathan! 2Tool Tuesday (yeah, say that twice...) is fun! How about a #4 or #5 plane shoot-out between Wood River (Quangsheng) and Bench Dog or one of the higher end manufacturers?

[@jon0807]

Tuesday's ten minute two minute tool test!

[@jonsanchez55]

Gotta love a nice ash handle!

[@glenpaul3606]

James at Stumpy Nubs does not like the high polished backs on the Narex Richter. He doesn't believe they are perfectly flat and prefers to polish and flatten himself. I like the fine finish on the Richter.

[@ronhau1542]

I have two set of Narex chisels and the Rickart are very good.

[@jessenunes4327]

I've been using the richter narex chisels for a while now and I 100 % agree with you I was absolutely impressed with them and the value you can't beat it .

[@richardwilson1702]

I have owned the Richter's for about a year. In a pinch, I shaved with them, my wife never knew; even after she kissed good night. Best chisels I ever owned!

[@richb419]

HI Jonathan, you are correct the heat treatment truly makes a difference as a custom knife maker of the past I have found some incredible advantages of cryo tempering. it makes the steel far tougher when you do a second quench in a sub zero bath, I have used dry ice. the Rockwell increases from ( the what I like to see for a knife of 59) to around 64 then you must re-temper back to 59 this will cause the metal to be tougher and to hold an edge much longer. people don't do this because of cost and time. If you can afford those chisels you won't be dissapointed I'm sure. Rich

[@adamscott7545]

I ordered the narex yesterday after poking around and felt guilty for the $$ and after watching this I feel better about it

[@davidlloyd1485]

I just got the Narex 5 in a box. Really pleased with the finish, quality. The one issue I had though was the 3/4 inch. Had to spend a lot of time flattening the back, really out of flat. The rest were all good.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

All of those are pretty. I don't think I've ever truly used a sharp chisel. I'm working on it.

[@colejohnson1960]

One often overlooked criteria in choosing a chisel is how it fits in the hand. The fit in your hand an effect how well the tool will perform for you as much as what particular type of metal it's made from or the bevel. This coming from a guy with large hands. I look at those Stanley's and can feel the frustration aI would have holding onto such a small handle.

[@benjaminweinberg4576]

I have been using the Stanley 750’s for about two years. They are amazingly better than my original cheap set. I will keep the Narex in mind for the future

[@thomasarussellsr]

Wow, thanks for the review, compare and contrast style. I love my Narex morticing chisels. I will definitely be looking into the Narex-Richtor chisel set. I love the fine/small side edge. Seems like a no-brainer unless a person wants to spend a bloody fortune on Japanese chisels with even smaller to no sides, or time grinding the sides down on a set of anothe brand of chisels. I just hope that if someone choses the grind down option that they have lots of time and a wet-bath grinder to keep from over heating and ruining the temper.

[@mderan]

I picked up a the Richter set of 1/4"-1" in the box off TayTools. They cahnge my entire prospective on using a chisel. They are precise and keep their edge. I did flatten the back, but I would agree with JKM if you are just wanting to go then micro and go. They take some to get them dead flat, but worth it if you don't mind doing the work. And as someone mentioned, Wood By Wright did a really in-depth chisel test, and the Richters were up there with Lie Neilson and Veritas chiselsas some of the best. He even admits he uses them for his every day work.

[@Baziell]

I bought those narex richter chisels a few months ago and they are pretty much perfect right out of the box. Love them for all the reasons stated in the video.

[@Michael-yt3wz]

I bought a set of the SW that came with a roll. Before them I had a set of 3 Irwin from Lowes. It's hard to imagine a better set after that huge jump. 🤣 Thanks for another great video.

[@dhoyt1967]

I did the same thing. What a game changer with the Stanley.

[@mikestewart505]

I bought the Richter 1 1/2" to replace an old Sandvik that was really handy, once in awhile. Flattened the back--which was a bit of work--and sharpened it, and immediately ordered the other six. James Wright also rates them very highly. Rob Cosman found a few flaws. I actually agree with all 3 of you. They aren't perfect, but--especially for the price--they're dang close. (I *like* the big honkin' handles, but some might not.)

[@ChrisJones-rj8dd]

More of these comparisons please Johnathan, great info.....thank you

[@crbulldog5638]

I do like the Narex angled chisels. They’re perfect for “scalloping” a straight line. I use them to carve out stars and there is minimal tear out. I can’t sharpen worth a flip but they hold an edge. Well worth the money.

[@richardgoebel226]

I would like to see a comparison of plane blades. Factory stock, after market, cryogenic treated, etc. Sometimes we inherit our fathers or grandfathers old hand planes. Rather than tossing them out or polishing them up to be shelf queens we would like to put them to use. Yes, there is a bit of work like flattening the sole, filing the various parts to make a good fit but when the rubber meets the road a good blade that holds its edge makes it all worthwhile.

[@johnharris6979]

Thanks for this video I have actually been going back and forth on which one of these exact ones to go with.

[@BiggMo]

Jonathan I think you found your own name for your review- “certainly probably tool review” Also how about coming out with a Katz Mosses chisel roll that matches the apron I bought from you

[@18roselover]

Shalom moishe . I bought a set of the four narex richter chisels for my instrumentmaking. I like them very much. Also bought 4 of the narex mortise chisels for use on tough hardwoods . An excellent tool for the $$. Have a set of 4 japanese mortise chisels , but they work better in softwoods

[@scottmedori1437]

I own an old Narex set, and have picked up a couple Stanley chisels. Love them both, but the Handles on the older Narex are very large. Prefer the smaller handle for finer work.

[@justinsane332]

the richters have a far better handle than the old narex. i own them both and the richters are the shiz.

[@rootvalue]

Love my Richters. I have put in enough years finding, restoring and sharpening old tool steel to be rewarded with bargain bin hardness. I didn’t find the backs to be as flat as yours must have been (the 1 1/2” took fifeen minutes to flatten on diamond stones), but they cut like none other, and the handle shape is unrivaled.

[@lilBugger35]

I have the 750s and I love them. If I was to spend more I'd like the Lie Nelsons. The Narex do look very nice though.

thats origin from my country, the richter one, have it also, totally best as you said

[@andersonolive4553]

Thanks for this video Jonathan! Very informative, my narex are on the way, can’t wait.

[@dusbus2384]

Prices have really changed since this video. The 7 pc Richter set is $100 more than the 8 pc Stanley set.

[@jerrystark3587]

A fair and square review of two good chisel sets. Thanks! I have a set of Narex mortise chisels and they are first-rate.

[@neilstutely3147]

The Stanley sweetheart handles are made from hornbeam.

[@scurvydog]

I usually don't tell students to buy the most/more expensive tool, but the Richter would make me recommend an exception. If the Richters are treated well , they should easily last a lifetime. The only issue that makes me go "Huh" is when you are doing heavy mortise work , there is more of a vibration/bounce back feeling in the handle. I have some no name chisels that get fairly abused , then I finish up with the Richters.

[@MJFacas]

I have the Narex Richter and they are great chisels.

[@shanechepren8119]

Any watch videos in the works?

[@jacosworkshop]

Here's my vote for two tool review: Makita Beam saw Vs Skillsaw Sawsquatch It would be wicked fun to fire up both of those beasts

[@paulietang55]

They are certainly probably hornbeam wood handles!

[@shonuffisthemaster]

nice review, the stanley handles are hornbeam fyi.

[@michaelolson5290]

Glad to see this review. I bought a set of the Narex a month ago but still waiting for them to arrive. They’ve been on back order. Tool review, you mentioned on Shop Sounds Podcast that you were going to review the Makita track saw vs the Festool track saw. Would love to see that review as I’m in the market.

[@chm1701]

I really like that you’re getting into testing tools. I really like my Lie-Nielsen chisels, but the socket idea does drive me nuts. A friend has the Narex chisels and they look great and are a great price. Anyway, I’m looking forward to this series and to see what companies produce and give me an idea about some other brands that I may not have considered. Thanks.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

For Matt it’s easier to say “tool duel” because some brits slip in a /r/ sound into “dual” like “druel”.

[@mrJanniekoen]

Thanks buddy. That's exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't shure about the bevels on these two for cleaning out dovetails. I'll be getting the Richter's when their available again in RSA.

[@HWCism]

Just bought one of your 1/6 dove tail jigs. Just love it. So easy to use.

[@justinsane332]

richters are really nice. i have two and they are my go to chisels now. especially for the price. i also have an entire set of narex premium line, which are less prium than the richters, lol, and they are excellent chisel for the cost, but the handle isnt the most comfortable if you have smaller hands such as myself

[@heyimamaker]

I'd love the idea of support creators with affiliate links but after conversion the Canadian Amazon chisels are listed at over $150 more than retails. For anyone in Canada, Lee Valley sells the Narex and seem to be easy to find. The Stanly tools at least in my area are not really sold in any of the big common stores but I have found the Sweetheart sets at some one off specialty tool stores and some online are comparable to the US Amazon prices.

[@davidmajersky1969]

Awesome video, I have Narex Richter chisels and love em they hold an edge really well and love the balance and feel of them.

[@Mark_Wood]

Just got a set of the Richters. Love em!

[@ahill209]

I've no doubt the Narex are high quality chisels. One issue I'd have with them being a hand tool woodworker is the durability of the edge. They are chrome-vanadium steel which has adequate but not superior edge retention. I'd hate to be stropping or re-honing so often it interrupts my work. For the average weekend woodworker, they might be fine They are relatively affordable. For my money, I'm a fan of the Lee Valley Veritas PM-V11 chisels, but they run around 2x the price of the Narex. I like the Lie Nielsen A2 steel bench chisels as well, but I bought mine when they are half the price they sell for now. It's a benefit that the Narex chisel backs are relatively flat, but flattening the backs is a one and done deal for chisel prep. I bought one of the Stanley 750's just for fun and I'm not a fan of the tall landings on them either.

[@ii1825]

The Stanley handles are Hornbeam.

[@JoeGugel]

Nice. Been researching for some new chisels. Great timing. Thanks

[@rogeranderson8763]

I gotta agree, I spent some time considering the $100 per chisel sort, found the Richter had quality steel hardened to 61 same as the more expensive variety. I could just not justify spending hundreds of dollars more for a slight improvement of appearance. I did purchase the Richter set a few months ago and found them quite satisfying. Tuning them up was dead easy and they feel nice in the hand....after that, it is all about one's skill at the sharpening station and workbench.

[@Ibaneddie76]

Great video, been using Stanley chisels for years as a guitar builder but those Narex look really nice. I would like to see a head to head router bit comparison between the 2 or 3 major router bit companies, maybe their top bearing pattern bits and a 1/4" round over and see who cuts the cleanest, has the longest lasting cutter, price?

[@brodavis25]

Would love to see/understand why Festool drills and drivers are preferred to something like DeWalt

[@billystray7007]

Because they say Festool on them lol

[@brodavis25]

Really I would like to see anything Festool (other than the domino) compared against the best box store brands and understand their differences.

[@billystray7007]

@@brodavis25 im a festool user & i would never waste my money on one of their drills, the battery system is a joke by comparison to Makita /dewalt /Milwaukee... I suppose a video proving it would be a good watch

[@towboatjeff]

Two Tool Tuesday

[@timothyleiby2798]

Oscillating bench sanders. Rigid vs triton.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic review and comparison, Jonathan! Thanks a lot! 😃 How about... Tool's Match? Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@CalebsFineWoodworking]

Nice comparison! I have a different model of the narex chisels, and they do make a great affordable set.

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@richardcarter260]

I have invested hours flattening the Narex chisels. Still working on getting 4 of the 5 flat. Not impressed with the polished backs.

[@planespeaking]

Narex has a good range. The 8105 for jobbing carpentry. The 8116 which is very similar to the Richter but less of a polish but still narrow bevel edges. The Richter's are about twice the price now

[@Foxholeatheist]

My dad bought me a set of the Richters for Xmas this year... they're beautiful.

[@marshallmurrell4583]

I had them on my Christmas list, hoping my two adult children would co-op the gift since they are a bit pricey. No luck.

[@roybailey1134]

The Stanley chisels are Hornbeam handles .

[@MrMaacin05]

“Tooltally Transparent Tuesday’s”

[@emielhertogs1968]

Two Tool Duel, rolls right off the tongue :P

[@evanmccrindle5355]

I'm not sure if it was just mine, but I bought the narex Richter chisels and just to see how flat the back was, I put it on the diamond plate and it wasnt as flat as I hoped, the high spot was about 1/8"-3/16" away from the cutting edge so it took a fair bit of time to get it flat

[@BarginsGalore]

yeah the mirror back isn’t a guarantee of flatness. in fact it can be the opposite because they polished that against a wheel which isn’t ideal for flatness

[@j.d.1488]

Narex took longer to flatten. Also thin at edge. Rob Cosman did these vs Woodriver socket chisels. Check out.

[@katzmosestools]

Rob sells wood river so take it with a grain of salt

[@kevinr1704]

I know this video is a year old, but I'm looking into getting a set of better chisels. I watched a video of Rob Cossman doing a comparison of the narex richter and the wood river ball and socket chisels. He had a complaint of the vibration of the narex due to how thin it is and a few other things that he didn't like. I know it's subjective, but have you encountered any problems with the narex? I would love to have a set of Lie Neilson chisels, but as a beginner, I can't afford over $500 just for chisels. I know a lot of woodworker and creator's have been doing a lot of reviews on the narex chisels lately, and so far Rob was the only one I've came across that had somewhat of a negative opinion. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@joelesko3267]

Another great video Jkm!! I as well am a loyal follower and your wisdom and tools I have purchased from you has taken my woodworking game up tremendously!!!! Great to see you reviewing tools as I love to watch Estlea w his tool duel videos. how about calling your segment "Johnathan's Joust"!!

[@3shighoctane]

I bought the Narex Richter 6 piece based off your recommendation. I’m just getting into woodworking and these are by far the most “pro” tools I have acquired thus far. I’m looking forward to carving out some beautiful dovetails with these in the future.

[@pahflyboy]

Thanks for the review. I need new chisels and used your link to order a 7 pc set.

[@watermain48]

I have a set of the Stanley SWs, but only the 1/2" Narex Richter. I'll be buying more of the Narex Richters, very impressed with them. Thanks Jonathan. How about Tool Wars?

[@billhaughenberry2917]

Hey Johnathan on your (drool tool duel ). :-) how about your beloved diamond/whetstones versus 3M lapping film!!!! Hey seriously I just tried lapping film for my first time OMG You’ll never go back!

[@bernardzhang1886]

What about the Veritas PMV11 chisels. I feel that they are very well balanced in use and that the PMV11 steel is the best modern steel on the market. It is impact resistant and easy to sharpen. Cyro treated A2 is very prone to micro-chipping.

[@adampetten1009]

I was looking at the Veritas chisels but wasn't sure id need such high quality chisels

[@randsipe224]

I have a set of the Ricters, they are nice but I still reach for my Japanese chisel over all the others. And I have a lot of chisels

[@vojtahrabanek1620]

NAREX RULEZ! THX FOR PROMO OF CZECH TOOLS!

[@theplaidwoodworker1007]

Awesome timing I’ve been looking to buy a good set of chisels. Want to start doing some better joinery.

[@grantwilliams630]

I’d love to see a comparison of an veritas and lie Nielsen plane. Smoother, low angle jack, jointer, whatever. Just a 1to1 comparison

[@cjoe5977]

Lie Nielsen is the best in my opinion it’s just better to buy them when you need them