What Is The Best Chisel

[@manifestgtr]

Dude, this is unbelievable. I sometimes think that people obsess a little too much about tools and not enough on technique and skill but if you’re gonna nerd out on tools, *this* is how it’s done. Whatever your compensation ends up being for this series of tests, it’s not enough...

[@Cravenfester]

As a computer engineer, I appreciate the level of data you put into the decision. As a hobby woodworker, this is insanely cool, thank you.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks

[@Wa66it]

YT suggested me this video again after 3 years or so. At that time, I trusted the outcome of this testing and got a set of Narex Richter. I just wanted to thank you because I've been extremely pleased with them, starting from the keen and long-lasting edge, to the nicely shaped and finished handles, the backs where also quite flat and didn't need much work at all. I would buy them again without the slightest doubt. Cheers from Italy

[@microwave221]

This was astounding to me, I never would have expected there to be that much variability between largely similar chisels. This was truly a public service

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. Glad to help.

[@Owieczkin]

Dziękujemy.

[@clemoniii]

1. Thanks for offering a “membership”. I’m NOT a fan of Patreon. 2. Love the detailed OBJECTIVE review. Prior to finding this and joining, I selected 3 Narex Richter’s, and thought I’d made a mistake. Two had something like 23 degree bevels and one had a tactile and easily visible step on the back. Kudos to TayTools for offering replacement, refund, OR compensation for my time to reface the back. I kept them, and will not take anything from TayTools because it wasn’t their fault. They sat in a drawer for a few weeks, but after I finally trued them up... WOW. They are an absolute delight to use!

[@WoodByWright]

I love Tay Tools service. They keep me coming back?

[@clemoniii]

@@WoodByWright AGREED! I've bought blemished and first run squares First blem was dead square, second wasn't, so returned and bought PEC dead square, but won't tighten. it's a if thumb screw is bottoming. Ordered a bunch more stuff last night. They make returns as easy as orders, and just as delightful on every call. It is clear they are in this to be of service to the customer!!! I'll always be one!

[@WoodByWright]

Updated Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4fFZISZfruJf9E Link to data sheet: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XoOGNmJUXlaVbNw5BcKtcbZzft6aZiQKjdeQRDBNE08/edit?usp=sharing 0:19 Into 0:46 How the Chisel test was conducted Video showing the testing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGrHmqZ3nZmoppY 2:04 Objective Vs. Subjective Testing 4:03 look at the actual data of the chisel test 4:50 How to adjust for your chisel preferences 15:10 A few things I learned about chisels 17:17 How long the chisel test took 18:49 Interesting findings from the chisel test 19:47 What is the best Chisel overall winner 20:33 What is the Best value Chisel

[@richarddun6307]

I do enjoy your videos, but in this one you talk way to fast for us southern boys.

[@quietwoodworking]

@@richarddun6307 I sometimes go to the settings and slow the video down to say .75

[@julessandoval4424]

Decided to go with a set of Narex Richters.

[@kevinreed4027]

I wish your graphs were on separate pages. Just so I could print and study them.

[@tylerbloom8889]

This is just an awesome set of data. I have been reviewing your spreadsheet in detail and am curious if there is a labeling error in columns AF to AN. The sharpness number as I understand means lower is better or more sharp. In these columns we see before numbers lower than after and am curious if that is backwards or I don't understand the data. Either way to me this is so awesome and really shows me that the Richter is the choice when time comes to upgrade.

[@tonyv3860]

Thank you so much for doing this. I was planning on upgrading my chisels and I was waiting for your test results. I took your advice and I have a set of Richter on order.

[@WoodByWright]

Sweet. Have fun with those. I'm having a ton of fun with mine.

[@SpiderMaow]

Oh men what a detailed video! Congrats for this high quality content mate !

[@rosstifer07]

wow James, thanks for all the work you put into this! Really appreciate the work instead of a sales pitch for one chisel or another

[@WoodByWright]

thanks man. this one was a ton of fun to put together.

[@giorgiochiappini1931]

I'm going to buy some new chisels after watching this masterpiece of a tool test/research. I own a full set of Two Cherries and a Irwin Marples one. I'm using the first one for finishing/precise tasks and the second one as work horse chisels. In defense to the Irwing Marples, those are built exactly to chop and remove large quantity of wood fast, a task that dulls chisels heavly and that's why they're built with softer metal, the why comes from the plus that you sharpen them faster! They're heavy duty, you can hammer them as you like having metal ends, the grip is great and they won't slip from your hand thanks to the rubber handles. Some tools are built differently because they serve a different purpose, spend three times more and you will not get three times the benefit if the purpose is not the same. Irwing Marples are probably designed to be great carpenters chisels, and they are, but I'm a wood worker and after watching this awesome research, the Irwing are not the ones I'm going to replace, I'll buy a Narex Ritcher for finer tasks and keep the Irwing because they're great for what they are built for. Amazing work by the way, that was huge and priceless!

[@jonaskup1]

Thanks for this great video. I've always thought that our czech tools as Narex are great, but I would never think of them as the best of the best. Gives me nice warm feeling :). Thanks a lot!

[@WoodByWright]

Right on. they did a bang up job on this one!

[@thenorsemangamer]

Wow seriously, this solved any questions I had for picking out a chisel set.

[@glennphilipson7231]

Great work James one of the best if not the very best videos of it's type I've ever seen. Stay safe brother and look after that wife of yours she's a hero.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks man. glad I could help!

[@DaughtersWoodCo]

Hey James! Thanks so much for all this hard work! I just bought me a set of the Narex Richter chisel based off your test. I've been debating for awhile what chisels to get and seeing the data for how sharp the richter stayed was what finally sealed the deal for me. Thanks again!

[@WoodByWright]

glad I could help. I am in the middle of testing Plane Irons now!

[@shanemelville]

I just wanted to let you know that I was looking to buy a good set of chisels & after watching this video I bought the Narex Ritcher set of chisels, wow what a delight to work with they hold an edge so well. I have been putting some end caps or bread boards on my shop work bench & these chisels have been invaluable for this. Thank you, thank you your hard work & all that went into you making this video paid of at least for me. I didn't have to give up a kidney to get a good set of chisels

[@WoodByWright]

Hey Shane. My pleasure. Glad I can help out.

[@samg3884]

I'm a fiend for analytical, quantitative evidence. Your channel is a new find for me this is my first video but I'm going to binge your channel now!!! Keep it up it's hard to find channels that review products with empirical data.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. That means a lot. I try and do one good test like this every 9 months to a year or so. Right now I'm actually working on a follow-up to this test with several other chisels. But I'm also working on a plane iron bed test should be fairly interesting.

[@danielnordstrand6443]

I love the objective tests! It's hard to find these tests in tools, and they make for an easy choice. Thank you!

[@MrBrewzr]

Thank you so much for all of your hard work as a new woodworker I find this information so valuable. For me, what makes this so valuable is I don’t know what a chisel is supposed to feel like, I don’t know what it supposed to cut like. What you provided enables me to go “OK this is what is supposed to feel like, this is what it’s supposed to cut like.” So when I’m trying to learn how to cut dove tails, and I’m having a hard time, it’s probably not the chisel. It might be my ability to sharpen it, or flatten it, or use it, but it’s not the quality of the tool. I mean I could just go out and spend a King’s ransom on a brand name and get the same thing, but I’m not a king, nor do I have ransom money, lol. So again thanks for the nearly 200 hours of hard work, those Narex Ricter were on my radar already your affiliate link will be used when I do pull the trigger.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. Glad I could help.

[@Varco009]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video for all of us.

[@Z5LA5H]

Thanks!

[@caseyconner89]

This is amazing. What a public service. Thank you.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. My pleasure.

[@sc1386]

kudos man, you really out did your self this time, in that you spend this much time in testing these chisels, thanks for making it easier on us in deciding which chisels to buy

[@unclebob8746]

Outstanding! I have a lot of experience with statistics and Excel; great to see your data.

[@INeverApologize]

Came across this video as I need to upgrade my chisels. Subscribed to your channel based on this video alone. Well done!

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. Saturday I'll have the conclusion to the plain iron test coming out. That should be a lot of fun as well.

[@Cygnusvailand]

Really glad you made this. Testing methods were very thorough. Managed to get my hands on two of the Narex Richter chisels and they are both a joy to handle and work with. They are easy to sharpen, hold their edge relatively well, and look/feel gorgeous. Thanks for taking the time to gather and present this data.

[@WoodByWright]

Glad I could help. I'm in the middle of doing a test on replacement plane irons.

[@johnbesharian9965]

@@WoodByWright, That too, was done just as well and in great depth.

[@sjimerfield]

I got the Narex Richter box set the other day. Wow, right out of the box they are super. At this price, I've never gotten a tool so well made. I don't even want to check the back for flat as it will ruin the amazing polish. I honed a micro bevel, hit them with a strop and was ready to go in less than a 1/2 hour. I tested the 1/2" right out of the box on a piece of hard maple, and it cut nicely. Put on the micro bevel and slices like butter. The handles are great too. Well done Narex!

[@WoodByWright]

I have been loving mine. A really nice all-round product.

[@Seminex222]

"the hardness isn't what matters.....it's how it actually performs" made my day :D :D

[@fotopfanatic]

Quantitative data > subjective data. Every single time. Kudos to you for this testing!

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. Just started in on testing plane irons. This should be fun.

[@richardwilson1702]

Wow! I am glad your mind and body can handle analyzing to this kind of detail. It isn't in my emotional makeup. I bought the Nerex Richter last spring. Great Chisels. I even shave with them.....NOT!!! unless you count the hair on my arms.

[@egbluesuede1220]

Wow....was researching the Narex Richters and found this video. Super impressed by the research you put into this and for freely sharing. I'm both a tool and a data nerd, so I was in heaven digging into the numbers.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. My pleasure. This is a fun one. Currently in the middle of doing the same thing for plain irons. Hoping to have it out sometime around Christmas.

[@samueldavis5895]

The richter set is wonderful. Also Stanley 750 sweethearts I find to be pretty damn good too. I really liked that the Stanley set came with 1/16” chisel... a size you rarely get in a set.

[@tylerhayes9243]

I literally "liked" and "unliked" this video over and over so I could "like" this video more than once. Speaking of weighting, KZbin needs to allow me to like a video 1 time... or like a video 10 times. That would be a much better reflection of how good a video is. This would be a 10 for sure. Absolutely phenomenal. Speaking my language.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. This was a fun one. I'm probably going to be doing a test here very soon similar to this but with plain irons.

[@robdrownyt]

I agree. As an engineer with experience in steels and materials testing, this is a quality job! Well done! This is almost technical paper to be published quality. I’ll bet all the chisel manufacturers have looked at it.

[@joshvincze7460]

Incredible work! Truly a public service as stated before.

[@JackbenchWoodworking]

Bravo James! You really outdid yourself on this one. Thanks for doing the work and taking the time to provide such good objective information.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. I am hoping to have the plane iron test out next week.

[@adamcbrewer]

This video deserves more views and likes, great job 👍

[@jonesey1981]

So much work, super appreciate your sharing the findings. You sold me on the Narex Richter. Availabile, and they're not a ton more expensive than some cheaper options.

[@heystarfish100]

Totally awesome testing procedures James. Thanks for your dedication and efforts in putting the tremendous amount of work into making this information available for us viewers. 😎👍

[@WoodByWright]

thanks. it was my pleasure.

[@mikestewart505]

I bought a 1.5" Richter based on this review, to compliment my ok set of Wood Rivers. Ordered the full set two days later. OK is okay, but these are a big step up at a decent price.

[@WoodByWright]

I have been loving mine. Amazing chisels.

[@watermain48]

Based on your video, which I just watched again, I ordered 1/2" Narex Richter and I can honestly say I am very impressed with it. It came sharp and the back was flat on arrival. I can't wait to get the rest of a set of these. Nicely done James.

[@WoodByWright]

Nice. all of my new ones were perfectly flat when they came. it is a sign of a good chisel!

[@watermain48]

@@WoodByWright It is nice for a change not to have to spend an hour getting a new chisel ready to do what it was made for...

[@Andyjpro]

WOW. This is such impressive work. Feel kinda dirty I'm getting this info for free! Thanks for everything you do James!

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Andy. this was a fun one to dig into!

[@mikepierce4216]

Thank you for all of the time and effort you invested in harvesting your data! You're amazing!! Such detail! We also thank your family for lending you to us.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks Mike. This was a fun one for sure

[@MrNikke96]

seriusly even if you wouldnt care a bit about this videos content, its just sooo much data gathered better than so many actual studys or research you cant be anything less than amazed! only little thing i would personally maybe change is to set the graph verticals to different colour/shade every other line to make it easier :)

[@DarkTubeToo]

Wright you must have a background in finance. That is the very well formatted spreadsheet. Very nice. I know this channel is about woodworking, but I was impressed with the spreadsheet (yes I'm a nerd) and had to give you kudos. Thank you for the review.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks. I do love a good spread sheet. I am not from Finance. but my masters was in technical theater. (Engendering for theater) so I did a whole lot of destructive experiments and gained a love for testing things.

[@WoodByWright]

also I am about to start the next one on the second channel looking at plane irons. kzbin.info/www/bejne/onLUq3uCgq9jprc

[@robdrownyt]

@@WoodByWright you are an ENGINEER AT HEART.

[@Jackson-T23]

I bought a set of Narex Richters earlier this year. I used them when I built a 12' x 10' custom oak entertainment center I was quoted at $12K by local cabinet makers. Love them! Finished the project and the chisels are still crazy sharp. Let's put it this way. With my previous chisels, I had difficulty hand paring endgrain white oak. I can do this relatively easily with these chisels. I'm actually considering purchasing a second set.

[@timothyvolkers5343]

Just wondering but you mentioned that you thinking of buying a second set of the Richter Narex chisels. I own a small set of the mid grade Narex chisels, I was using the wooden handle Harbor freight chisels but I enjoy hobbyist woodworking quite a lot so I went for the Narex chisels upgrade. The price difference of the two versions of the Narex chisels, the lower cost version then the more expensive Richter Narex chisels is quite a large amount so I'm very curious with you already owning a set of the Richter's why you are thinking of buying another set. So if you can tell me why you liked the Richter's so much and why you are thinking of picking up another set. Thanks for any of the information that you can give.

[@Jackson-T23]

@@timothyvolkers5343 Main reason is because I'm lazy and I hate sharpening. Having two sets allows me to be more lazy. 😂 I've currently have 5 sets of chisels: Harbor Freight, Stanley from Home Depot, Irwin Marples, Stanley Sweetheart, and Narex Richter. The Richters are the best by far. Many KZbin woodworkers......J. Katz-Moses, James Hamilton (Stumpy Nubs), Rob Cosman, and James Wright (Wood by Wright) have high praise for these. Definitely go and check out all their videos......very eye opening information.

[@timothyvolkers5343]

@@Jackson-T23 cool will do thanks

[@johnbesharian9965]

@@Jackson-T23 "Main reason is because I'm lazy and I hate sharpening. " I thought so. Lemme guess, " ... and on the seventh day, he sharpened", getting ready for the week ahead.

[@goo-o8g]

Yeah why take the time to sharpen when you can just keep buying $250 sets of chisels that aren't even properly sharp out of the box 😑

[@PerArvidsson]

Thanks a bunch. Just ordered a set of Narex Richter!

[@allen131313]

Thank You!!!! That's an awesome amount of great data. Turns out that I have a very good selection of glue scrapers that I thought were chisels. :) Now, thanks to you, I have the data to make my real chisel buying decisions. Great testing!

[@WoodByWright]

Glad to help LOL thanks man. glad I could help.

[@18roselover]

Got 2 sets of the aldi chisels 2.5 yrs ago gave 1 sharpened set away. Bought the Narex cryo set this winter , Very impressive indeed, I have a set of older pfeil carving chisels that I bought 48 yrs ago and they are excellent for carving. The narex cryo chisels work well in vy hard woods . I put a 30 deg secondary bevel on them and touch them up on a 13 k ceramic stone.

[@jbrown2270]

Wow, you went above and beyond! I bought a couple of the Richters and plan on adding others as needed

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. This weekend I'm hoping to have the video out on doing similar tests with plain irons.

[@MCsCreations]

I really liked your science, dude. Very well done. The only other youtuber with that level of concern to the data and methodology I've ever seen is Joshua Bardwell. But his videos are about quadcopters, so very different interests. 😬 Anyway, just subscribed! Stay safe there! 🖖😊

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man that means a lot

[@1pcfred]

You've obviously never seen any Project Farm videos.

[@MCsCreations]

@@1pcfred I haven't, but I'm going to look into it. Thanks! 😊

[@1pcfred]

@@MCsCreations his last video was meh. But some he does he really covers stuff. A lot of stuff he does he just does for laughs though. Like making a cylinder head out of JB Weldit. Still pretty funny.

[@sheslop888]

Wow! Thanks for all that data. I'm just browsing KZbin looking for comparisons on chisels - I'm hoping to buy a set. I'm looking forward to diving into your dats.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks. that was a fun test for sure!

[@animalivaganti360]

Wow, what a huge job James. Congratulations and thank you very much.

[@WoodByWright]

Glad you enjoyed it. this was a fun one to put together.

[@1S4Per]

Just wow. Thanks so so much. Unbelievable deep dive!

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. I will have a new one with 20 more chisels coming out on this in a few weeks.

[@deagle387]

Wow, this is a fantastic experiment! Great information. Thank you!

[@rikityrik]

I know it's an older video but you did an unbelievable job here. The attention to detail is appreciated. I would be interested to see what the best is if you give the preference portion 5’s on all of except price and leave that one out or of low importance. Guess I better go check out your spreadsheet. Thanks for the great comparison, Very Impressive!👍

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. If you make a copy of the spreadsheet then you can change the waiting to whatever you want. I wanted to keep it that way so that people could find the chisels that best fits them. You also notice the spreadsheet has a few more titles added. I didn't update since this video.

[@rcort4864]

Great job. Very thorough. I bought a set of the HF wood chisels (on sale for $10) because I was impressed on the quality of at least the looks of them for that price. I was disappointed in the durability of the chisels, but encouraged by your discovery that the chisel performs much better at a 30 degree bevel over the 25 degree bevel that the chisels come with. I will try the 30 degree bevel and see how that works. I am seriously thinking of getting a set of the Narex Richter Chisels, thanks to your video. Thanks again for such a good presentation.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks. my pleasure.

[@lewisschrader4926]

Wow. Thank you very much for this! This must have been a serious endeavor to provide all this crazy in-depth information. I was set to buy one Veritas PM-V11 chisel until I saw this. I'm a novice so I appreciate the info. I choose to buy the Richter chisels instead as a result of your testing. I'm anxious to work with them.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks Lewis. this was a fun one for sure!

[@paulchek3079]

Awesome, well done test. Very comprehensive. Using the sharpness tester was a wonderful idea. Thank You.

[@Jacob19923]

The side walls of the mk2 Ashley Iles bevel edged chisels really are quite small from new, your data point might be correct and have little do with the sharpening over time (although I can’t confirm this because mine are worn from sharpening also). I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about the Ashley Iles in the comments section though? They’re unreal chisels. A lot of furniture maker friends of mine here in the UK use them, maybe they’re just as well known in the US?

[@JerrySmith-ih9rd]

I got a set of the Narex Richter chisels probably three years ago, and I’ve never looked back.

[@robertberger8642]

Great testing and review!

[@jr3002]

I use and like Hida Taikei Bench chisels (Hida Tool, Berkeley, CA), a few vintage Japanese chisels from eBay (unknown pedigree), and one custom 1.5mm chisel from Blue Spruce Tools (Portland, OR). I had a full set of the Stanley Sweetheart socket chisels but sold them off; and have to say, I much prefer the weight and balance, plus the shorter blade lengths of the Japanese style chisel. Chisels are indeed a very personal choice! I like my Blue Spruce chisel a lot - it was absolutely immaculate from out of the box, and the fluted handle stops it rolling around at all on the bench. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to try out many different chisels while attending the Inside Passage School in BC - there's nothing like trying fellow student's chisels for a few minutes to compare them for feel.

[@WoodByWright]

So true. There's so much about chisels that is completely personal and you never really know until you have the chance to play with them yourself.

[@1pcfred]

I have some stubby chisels. I consider those to be just about worn out. They seen a bit too much abrasion in their lives. I like me longer chisels personally. Pool cue sized.

[@robdrownyt]

I love Blue Spruce tools!!

[@alvagoldbook2]

I'm a beginner wood worker. I picked up a few odd ball things from Harbor Freight a few years ago. Some chisels. A handplane. I used them (mostly the planer) and found that I absolutely hated them. I kept thinking to myself "I hate hand tools". For Christmas my wife got me a new Stanley hand plane. First time I used it I was blown away. Now I'm thinking those HF chisels are just as bad. I'm going to get me some of the Narex Richters.

[@WoodByWright]

Most people don't know how fun hand woodworking can be until they try a truly sharp nice tool.

[@MrMNRichardWright]

Great analysis, thank you for putting in all the work it takes to conduct a bias free study. I am very happy I got my Aldi wood handle chisels when I did. But really excited to look for old Pfeil units.

[@joeleonetti8976]

Thank you for doing this. Looks like you spent a lot of time preparing for this. The good things about handles is that I'm a woodworker and I can always make one if that is a criteria that doesn't rank high.

[@WoodByWright]

right on. so true!

[@jackpardun2898]

I'm an Elskituna Erik Anton Berg fan myself. Tradition swedish steel has no conpitition. The older the better

[@andrewclough660]

i differ, ive never found anything better than the great Japanese chisels. same with their water stones

[@robdrownyt]

I have a set of sanvick chisels and they are pretty good. I like them. I got them used and they kind of have history. Again old Swedish steel. They have served me well.

[@robdrownyt]

@@andrewclough660 I have tried water stones. They work well but one must be careful to keep them flat. Really flat. I tried a Norton flattening stone and it was NOT flat enough. I was not able to get straight edges especially on plane blades. I am using 4 diamond stones and they are flat and quick to put I service. As Per Paul Sellers.

[@Aimsmallmiss]

Shark brand are amazing the three I find from restoring lots is berg Stanley 720 and old Marples

[@EmileRedant]

Thank you for doing the work and sharing the raw data with us!

[@WoodByWright]

My pleasure!

[@charleyweinhardt]

what's the best invincible beater chisel for rugged carpentry work?

[@WoodByWright]

For rugged carpentry work any chisel will do fine. When you're really hammering on it they're all about the same. I would probably go and choose something with a metal button on the handle.

[@charleyweinhardt]

@@WoodByWright okay thanks!

[@FrankTheTank7575]

You are such a nerd... I love it. Thanks for the analysis.

[@alasdairspitzer4625]

5 mins and I'm impressed

[@WoodByWright]

I'm actually about 2 weeks away from releasing the second installment with 42 chisels total.

[@PerryChristensen]

Really appreciate all the time and effort you put in to pull this all together!

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. This was a fun one

[@FredMcIntyre]

Wow, thanks for the info and all of the work comparing and compiling! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@WoodByWright]

My pleasure!

[@DonsWoodies]

Very informative, James. Thanks for doing all this. Lots of interesting data. Only one problem. Now, as with Paul Sellers causing old planes to double in price on ebay every time he mentions one, The Richter chisels will now go up in price based on your recommendation. Oh, what a tangle web we weave when we review tools..... :-)

[@iainmporter]

The Seller's effect is awful! Just a few years ago in the UK a Stanley router plane would have set you back about £25 on a well known auction site. You will now be lucky to get one for under £100.

[@WoodByWright]

yup the sport is growing quickly.

[@johnhiemstra1464]

Chiseled physique. Hmm... Cutting edge humour. Your really sharp James. Seriously though I'm taking away that a 30 degree angle is the way to go. Thanks James for the good stuff you do.

[@WoodByWright]

Lol thanks John!

[@bigfrank2959]

Im surprised there were no japanese chisels in here considering how much work you did and what an amazing job you did!

[@WoodByWright]

There was one Japanese just along the lineup. But generally Japanese chisels cost way too much to put into this. You tend to buy the mystique rather than the quality with those.

[@darylhawes8804]

James, Oh my gosh you have gone way over the top with this review. Thank you for putting so much into this. VERY informative. When I go to the chart I can't play with the weights, it's view only. Am I missing something?

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. you have to create a copy to change things. that way everyone is not changing the original. go up to file and there is an option to create copy.

[@darylhawes8804]

@@WoodByWright thank you.. that worked. 👍

[@adriaan7627]

Thanks for all this data. Very enlightening. Buying the full set of Richter is a bit much for me. I barely use the small chisels. Like the bigger ones :-)

[@carljames9351]

Man, I wish you’d have tested one of my old toffee handled marples shamrock chisels. Very self assessed as my favourite chisel of all time. It’d be interesting to see if it’s all in my head and hand hopes rather than fact.

[@WoodByWright]

I did one of those in the updated test.

[@carljames9351]

@@WoodByWright is there another vid. I just noticed this was posted a while ago.

[@tellthemborissentyou]

Thank you for doing all of that work. It really is a useful resource.

[@rahulm7159]

amazing work ty helped answer a lot of things.

[@JohnInWaterdown]

Absolutely an awesome project. Can't beat data and objective measurements. Subjective things count too, especially to an individual, just not first in a side by side evaluation. Very well presented, thank you. I am sorry that you couldn't include IBC but you can't do everything. Well timed too, since I am looking to add a couple of additions to my kit. I was going to add to my Lie Nielsen set or perhaps give IBC a try, but the Richters look pretty tempting.

[@ucenicul]

Hi James, thanks for this video. For me the best chisel is Erik Anton Berg (Eskilstuna - Sweden), and I have and use Narex basic (plast line -CZ), Lidl (aldi europe - China), JN (jan Nooitgedagt - NL), Peugeot Freres and Goldberg (FR), blue chisel (JP). For me it matters the durability and how it feels not only the handle but also the blade. PS: Narex basic is the same as lidl (aldi) but the handle is worse.

[@tylersmith9868]

I was just gifted a set of EA Berg chisels and they are absolutely amazing. Not sure whether I want to use them or leave them as is which would be tough

[@ucenicul]

@@tylersmith9868 told you :)

[@kvernon2]

This is an interesting video Thanks. I was especially interested in one chisel set in this study that I have--the Stanley Sweetheart. I also have an old set of Marples paring chisels and a set of Aldis that I use for rough work. I am fond of the Marples mostly for aesthetic reasons--they're pretty.

[@ukguitaryogi2888]

I have a question about old sorby thin paring chisels. i want to buy a old sorby paring chisel... its blade is just 5 and 7/8ths inches blade length 7 inches up to the brass ferrule. I am wondering is this still a suitable paring chisel and has as much uses if it was longer? The thing I can think of is longer thinner old style paring chisels can get some flex to change cut technique and angles. If you could do a video on flexing old chisels it would be great. Please advise I want it for cleaning out mortises mainly but I am a beginner so I may want it for more things.. Is it going to be ok ? Thanks!

[@WoodByWright]

Sorry. I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Usually pairing chisels are longer so they can reach farther into work but there are chisels across the whole range of width and length. feel free to send me an email with pictures I'd be glad to take a look and see what you got.

[@ukguitaryogi2888]

@@WoodByWright yeah sorry was hard to understand. I think the paring chisel will be fine for what i need. I just meant is there a point when the old chisels have been sharpened too short to be a paring chisel any more that can do all the functions that the paring chisel does , I heard that some people flex the paring chisels slightly to shave the wood at some kind of angle but I am not sure what they meant or the book meant exactly. I suppose it will just have less length to reach into spaces needing paring , this will be ok as I have two longer paring chisels at the moment luckily! thanks

[@WoodByWright]

Tripoli wants a chisel gets sharpened down to the point that is a lot shorter it stops being a pairing chisel and starts being a butt chisel.basically there's a use for every shape and size of chisel out there and when the shape and size changes from one into another classification you just change the name.

[@ukguitaryogi2888]

@@WoodByWright thanks I heard about this , I did not know that a paring can become a butt chisel though! Thanks!

[@joeleonetti8976]

Thank you for this video. I've been thinking about what you said in this video. What it tells me is that if you spend mid-range on price there are a lot of good chisels to chose from. There are diminishing returns on the expensive ones. The inexpensive ones carry more risk in terms of how well it performs. As for me, it's all a moot point as I own four sets of chisels and I have absolutely no need for another set. Two of the brands were tested here. Two of the others are older brands; one has a reputation as being good quality, the other is probably ok given it is old and has Sheffield steel and I am guessing that there is more than marketing as to Sheffield steel being good.

[@Marrio49]

I really enjoyed your presentation and your hard work that went into this study. I am interested in a set of registered firmer chisels. Who makes them and where can I find them? Thank you.

[@WoodByWright]

There are not many that make firmer chisels any more. that was more important back with hand forged chisels. with most modern steels bench chisels can take the beating that a Firmer chisel use to be made to take. I know Sorby makes a ser. and I think Narex does.

[@Marrio49]

@@WoodByWright I like the square sides opposed to bevel for certain applications. Thank you for your reply

[@jonasdaverio9369]

I was a bit sad seeing the old Pfeil was so much better, since I own a set of new Pfeils. But anyway, they are really good (the finish was awfull through, imho, but I just redid it), and they are made in the country I live in, so I'm happy to support a local manufacturer. Plus, they really weren't expensive here, between 15 to 25 CHF each. (1CHF~1USD)

[@TomBuskey]

I was recommended the Pfeils by a woodworking student. I like the feel & actually like the roughness. I've been very happy with them.

[@WoodByWright]

Yeah. The surface on those is an acquired taste. Most people end up refinishing them as soon as they get them. I love the octagonal shape though it feels so good in the hand.

[@jonasdaverio9369]

I don't know, but I feel like this finish is sloppy, like if Pfeil would want to cut down on the cost. Which is a bit contradictory with the fact that they sell them almost razor sharp... But I'm indeed really happy with them, they look quite simple but in the same time so good, I don't know. Some British chisels or gouges can look a bit fancier, but not necessary better I think

[@jimbo2629]

I was hoping for a comment on the boxwood handled Sorby. I bought mine decades ago at great expense because they were reckoned to be the best. I bought a set of Narex more recently and find they keep an edge better. I don’t worry about the sharpen ability as I use a Worksharp which takes all the effort out. I buy old chisels. Sometimes they are great and often they are poor. I bought a couple of new ones from the big box store for rough work and they are really good. In England Marples chisels are common. The ones I have the steel is too soft for my liking. If I were starting again I’d buy Narex and turn boxwood handles for them. I don’t like octagonal.

[@WoodByWright]

Box wood is a fun wood for it.

[@elfpimp1]

Not sure, but experiences must vary. I am dabbling in woodworking myself and didn't want to spend too much on a chisel set so I looked at a few reviews on the chisels HF carries. The wooden ones have a tendency to lose the front ferule when tapped with a wood mallet. I went with the resin handled set of four. Wow. Impressed is putting it lightly. First thing I noticed was it's heft, then I did an end grain test. I actually got a wisp instead of bits of wood. After that I did what I like to call a belly and cup test. I color the flat, and swirl it around on sandpaper (wet dry high grit) to see how bad they may be cupped or if they have a belly(due to some companies honing before the hardening). Again, impressed no cup or belly.

[@Saberlus]

Thank you for the hard work and for sharing with us the info you found.

[@WoodByWright]

My pleasure.

[@michaelstockdale]

I love your approach! Very useful data!

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Michael!

[@MinhKhangVinatools]

Could you talk more about Kirschen chisel?

[@WoodByWright]

what about them. they are called Two Cherries in the Us so that is what I named them in the test.

[@daleswier8429]

Interesting video, and you’ve really put in a ton of work on this topic. I have an old set (complete set, in the original wooden box) of Buck Bros. chisels. A bit of an effort to sharpen that really hard steel but once a good edge is achieved again they are nice.

[@DookieCyber]

This video is amazing! I applaud your work!

[@VORONM]

Thank you for a very useful review! I use Narex chisels, too.

[@WoodByWright]

My pleasure!

[@julessandoval4424]

Awesome info Brother! This will greatly help decide value on what I will actually buy

[@bensnyder5890]

Awesome awesome awesome work James. You came to the same conclusion I did. Although I'm particular to the ashely because of the feel of the round back, I will definitely look at the cryo on my next purchase.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Ben. this was a seriously fun one to put together.

[@adifferentangle7064]

there seems to be a problem with the hardness of the pmv-11. It should be about the same as the narex but it's significantly lower.

[@WoodByWright]

that is where it tested out. may just be that I had a bad one. that is the down side of only testing one of each.

[@Mark_Wood]

This is fantastic. Making me feel good about just getting a set of Narex Richters! 160 Hours? Wow!

[@WoodByWright]

I have a more recent one with double the chisels included. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2SmfZiLr56opsU

[@Mark_Wood]

@@WoodByWright Thanks!

[@jetsettergeorge2675]

I would like to ask you a question,I just purchased the Narex richter chisels and was wondering is it necessary to flatten the back or do you recommend it?

[@WoodByWright]

I did not touch the backs on mine. They are more than good enough for woodworking. Some machinists want them to be even flatter and will spend a few hours on them but it is not needed. as long as you set it flat on some glass and it does not rock side to side, then it is good enough.

[@jetsettergeorge2675]

@@WoodByWright Thank you so much 🙏🏿

[@lukebm5555]

I disagree, the flatness really steers the cut, particularly annoying if it’s convex. Flat, sharp chisels are so easy to use, and it’s a huge pain to flatten a chisel that isn’t close already. I appreciate the thoroughness @woodbywright and found this hugely informative, wish the flatness was included too though.

[@grandadz_forge]

Shawn Graham sorta sold me on the Marples (Irwin) and I'm too cheap to switch. But I love them so I wouldn't anyway. However I want to forge my own set and this is outstanding as a design guide. Thanks

[@WoodByWright]

Fair enough!thanks man! it was very interesting to compare them all side by side and feel them all.

[@1pcfred]

New Marples are not what the name used to mean. Vintage Marples were the stuff. Modern ones, not so much. They're OK. But there's better out there. At least that's what I've heard from just about everyone. Not to say that you couldn't work with them. But they're nothing I'd lust after getting myself.

[@grandadz_forge]

@@1pcfred yep. Shawn warned about the quality. "Good entry level chisel" i just haven't advanced enough to look upwards yet. Lol Thanks to James I'll know where to go

[@1pcfred]

@@grandadz_forge yeah there's nothing specifically wrong with them. Marples used to be some of the best though. Now they're average. Going from some of the best to average is quite a step down too. When an A student becomes a C student you have to assume they've gotten caught up with the wrong crowd. That guy named Irwin.