Chisel Help!

[zac_in_ak]

Hi All

I was looking at getting some chisels I need a 1/16" 1/8" and a 1/2" I am down to either Harold & Saxon or Blue Spruce Toolworks. Has anybody used both? Help! They are both around the same price.

[kiwigeo]

I use the LMI small chisels for small work. My bigger chisels are either Stubai bench chisels or Robert Sorbey Paring chisels.

Hi All

I was looking at getting some chisels I need a 1/16" 1/8" and a 1/2" I am down to either Harold & Saxon or Blue Spruce Toolworks. Has anybody used both? Help! They are both around the same price.

[sebastiaan56]

Hi Zak,

Im not sure the brand matters, if you can get to hold or even try some first then that will really help. Things to consider are the length of the chisels and the weight. I like long ones with stubby handles. I have antique (read used) chisels picked up at various Sunday markets.

Sebastiaan

[Kim]

Don't own any of those bands Zak, but I have heard nothing but glowing reports about "Blue Spruce" and they look beautiful, you can even choose which would you want for the handle from either African Blackwood or Cocobolo I think. I did here that the only issue with them is that whilst the handles are perfect for the smaller chisels, they do feel a little small once you go upward of 3/4" but this should not effect you.

Cheers

Kim

[Allen]

Don't have either of them. Bought a set from Lee Valley that they had labeled as their own brand when I was still a Canuck, and shipping didn't break the bank.

I've found that putting a good edge on a cheap chisel is far better than a crap edge on the most expensive. I've picked up some good chisels at the flee markets and modified them for specialized uses. Cost bugger all, and with a little time getting them good and sharp makes them a joy to use.

[Taffy Evans]

I have not even heard of the brands you mentioned Zac, where have I been? My most recent chisels are about 20 years old, Marples and Sandvic, and I can shave with any of them. I also have a hole range of very old chilsels from the UK, must be 80 or more years old, they are a bit short now but also hold an edge you can shave with. Now all thats no help to you, just thought I'd let you know.

[ozziebluesman]

G'day Zac,

I'm a very beginner builder and I'm still tooling up for guitar building. I'm always on the look out for old wood working hand tools. Over the past two years I have bought 3 old chisels on eBay that are great tools for lutherie. The one I use most cost $30 and it is a Marples, 3/4", paring length chisel with beveled sides. You just can not beat the old chisels steel quality for holding an edge. I have a Marples 1/8", paring length that cost $20 for the inlay work. Last is a Berg 3/8" which is a short chisel with beveled sides and it cost $15. They are all fine hand tools and not overly expensive. I must admit it did take me a few months to find the right chisels on eBay to bid on.

I use the scary sharp method for sharpening using a Lee Valley jig. They are bloody sharp and a joy to use!!

From my research on new chisels a while back the Blue Spruce are very popular and a great chisel.

Hope that helps you!

Cheers

Alan