Woodworking is a craft that has been around for centuries and requires precision and skill to create beautiful and functional pieces. One of the essential tools for any woodworker is a chisel. Chisels are used to shape and carve wood, and having the right set of chisels can make all the difference in the quality of your work.
When it comes to woodworking chisels, there are many options available on the market. From different materials to various sizes and shapes, it can be overwhelming to choose the right set for your needs. However, there are a few critical things to consider when making a purchase.
Firstly, the material of the chisel is essential. High-quality chisels are typically made of high-carbon steel or high-speed steel, which are durable and can hold a sharp edge for longer periods. Cheaper chisels may be made of lower-quality steel or even plastic, which can quickly dull and break.
Secondly, the size and shape of the chisels are crucial. Different projects require different sizes and shapes of chisels, and having a variety of options can make your work more efficient and effective. The handle of the chisel is also essential, as it should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip.
In this article, we have researched and tested various woodworking chisels to identify the best options on the market. We have considered factors such as material, size, shape, and handle comfort to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best woodworking chisels available.
Best Woodworking Chisels
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you know that a good set of chisels is essential. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right tools can make all the difference in your craft. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best woodworking chisels on the market. From budget-friendly options to high-end sets, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best woodworking chisels.
MECHEER Wood Chisel Set
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable chisel set for your woodworking needs, the MECHEER Wood Chisel Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 4 different sizes of chisels, making it easy to find the right tool for any job.
- The carbon steel bevel blades are sharp and durable, making them suitable for working on all types of wood.
- The non-slip ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip and improved control, making them ideal for both beginner and expert craftspeople.
Cons
- The plastic handle may not be as durable as other materials.
- The edge guards may not fit perfectly on all chisels, making them difficult to store.
- The set does not include a storage case.
The MECHEER Wood Chisel Set is a great addition to any woodworker’s toolkit. The set includes 4 different sizes of chisels, ranging from 6mm to 24mm, making it easy to find the right tool for any job. The carbon steel bevel blades are sharp and durable, making them suitable for working on all types of wood, including soft wood, hard wood, and laminated wood.
The non-slip ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip and improved control, making them ideal for both beginner and expert craftspeople. The steel hammer end on the top of the handle also adds extra durability and protection, making it suitable for heavy pounding with a metal hammer or a wood mallet.
All the blades of the MECHEER Wood Chisel Set come slightly oiled to protect against corrosion, and there is a red plastic edge guard on each chisel to protect the blade tips from being damaged by each other or other tools, and prevent the tips from scratching other tools in your toolbox.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable chisel set for your woodworking needs, the MECHEER Wood Chisel Set is definitely worth considering. It is a great value for the price and is a must-have addition to any woodworker’s collection.
GREBSTK Wood Chisel Set
If you’re looking for a high-quality wood chisel set that won’t break the bank, the GREBSTK Wood Chisel Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The chisels are made from high-quality chrome-vanadium steel that’s been heat-treated for edge retention, ensuring they stay sharp for longer.
- The handles are made from beech wood and are secured with a stainless steel hoop, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
- The set comes with a transparent storage bag, an oxford zipper bag, and a paper gift box, making it easy to keep your chisels organized and protected.
Cons
- The set only includes four chisels, so if you need a wider range of sizes, you’ll need to purchase additional chisels separately.
- The handles may not be as durable as those on more expensive chisels, so you’ll need to take care not to damage them.
- The chisels may require some sharpening before use, although this is true of most chisels.
The GREBSTK Wood Chisel Set is a great choice for both professional and beginner woodworkers. The chisels are precision beveled at 25 degrees, making them suitable for use on all types of wood, including soft wood, hard wood, and laminated wood products. The steel is quenched and tempered to ensure high hardness, strong toughness, and a sharp edge that won’t curl or chip.
The beech wood handles are comfortable to hold and provide a strong grip, while the stainless steel hoop ensures they won’t come loose during use. The set comes with a transparent storage bag, an oxford zipper bag, and a paper gift box, making it easy to keep your chisels organized and protected.
While the set only includes four chisels, they are the most commonly used sizes (1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″), so they should be sufficient for most woodworking projects. However, if you need a wider range of sizes, you’ll need to purchase additional chisels separately.
Overall, the GREBSTK Wood Chisel Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality chisels at an affordable price. They may require some sharpening before use, but once they’re sharpened, they’ll provide reliable performance for years to come.
HURRICANE Wood Chisel Set
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable wood chisel set, the HURRICANE Wood Chisel Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The drop forged chrome-vanadium steel blade is durable and heat-treated for edge retention.
- The bevel edge is suitable for woodworking carving multi-purpose use, making it suitable for all softwood, hardwood, and laminated wood products.
- The set includes various sizes, including 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″, each with a full-length blade guard for added safety.
Cons
- The PVC colored transparent high impact handle may not be as comfortable as other handle materials.
- The lacquer coating may wear off after extended use, which could affect the blade’s performance.
- The set only includes four chisels, which may not be enough for some woodworking projects.
Overall, the HURRICANE Wood Chisel Set is a solid choice for woodworkers of all skill levels. The blades are durable and can handle a variety of wood types, and the different sizes make it easy to tackle different projects. However, if you prefer a more comfortable handle or need more than four chisels, you may want to consider other options.
WRKSHP Wood Chisel Set
If you’re looking for a versatile set of woodworking chisels, the WRKSHP Wood Chisel Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 8 different chisels, offering enough variety to do fine and rough woodwork.
- The special shape of the wooden handles provides a comfortable grip and maximized control.
- Made from thickened chrome vanadium steel, these chisels are built to last a lifetime and are 100% rust-resistant.
Cons
- The wooden handles may not be as durable as some other materials.
- The included sharpening stone may not be of the highest quality.
- Some users may prefer a larger variety of chisel sizes.
The WRKSHP Wood Chisel Set is a great choice for both fine and rough woodworking. The set includes a guide that shows you how to sharpen each tool with the included whetstone, ensuring that your chisels are always sharp and safe to use. The wooden storage box is a nice touch, making it easy to keep your chisels organized and protected when not in use.
The shape of the wooden handles is ergonomic and non-slip, providing a comfortable grip that allows for maximum control during your woodworking projects. Each chisel also comes with a protective cap for safe storage, ensuring that your chisels stay in great condition for years to come.
While the wooden handles may not be as durable as some other materials, they are certainly beautiful and add a nice touch to the overall design of the chisels. The included sharpening stone may not be of the highest quality, but it is certainly effective for keeping your chisels sharp and ready to use.
Overall, the WRKSHP Wood Chisel Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile set of chisels that can handle both fine and rough woodworking tasks. With its durable construction, comfortable grip, and included storage box, this set is sure to be a great addition to your woodworking toolkit.
Narex Czech Steel 4 piece set Woodworking Chisels
If you’re looking for a set of woodworking chisels that offer exceptional quality at an affordable price, then the Narex Czech Steel 4 piece set Woodworking Chisels is a great option.
Pros
- The blades are made from fine-grained, nicely tempered chrome-manganese steel and hardened to Rc 59, which means they take and hold an excellent edge.
- The blades are accurately ground and have a slimmer cross-section that woodworkers prefer.
- The set contains four different sizes (6 mm, 12 mm, 20 mm, and 26 mm), making it versatile for different woodworking projects.
Cons
- The chisels will need sharpening before use, which may be a downside for those who don’t have experience sharpening tools.
- The handles may not be as comfortable for some users since they are made of lacquered European Beechwood.
- The set doesn’t come with blade covers, which may be a downside for those who want to protect their blades when not in use.
In my experience, the Narex Czech Steel 4 piece set Woodworking Chisels are a great value for the quality they offer. The blades are sharp and hold their edge well, which is essential for woodworking projects. The set contains four different sizes, which is useful for different woodworking projects, and the blades are accurately ground, making them easy to use.
One downside is that the chisels will need sharpening before use, which may be a downside for those who don’t have experience sharpening tools. Additionally, the handles may not be as comfortable for some users since they are made of lacquered European Beechwood. Finally, the set doesn’t come with blade covers, which may be a downside for those who want to protect their blades when not in use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of high-quality woodworking chisels that offer excellent value for money, then the Narex Czech Steel 4 piece set Woodworking Chisels is a great option to consider.
ATOPLEE Wood Chisel Set
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable woodworking chisel set, the ATOPLEE Wood Chisel Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with four different sizes, each clearly engraved on the blade, making it easy to choose the size you need for your carving.
- The solid wood handle is lightweight and comfortable to grip, while the clamped metal hoop at the end of the handle makes it resistant to hammering and deformation fracture.
- The sharp blade and thickened blade body of the chisels make them more durable and ready to use immediately without the need to sharpen the edge before use.
Cons
- The bevel angle of the blades is closer to 45 degrees than the preferred 20-25 degrees, making it challenging to change the bevel and sharpen curved gouges.
- The bevels are ground unevenly, and the thin tin on the back is loose and annoying, which requires some effort to correct the front and sharpen up.
- The product may not be as shown in the photo, according to some reviewers.
The ATOPLEE Wood Chisel Set is made from high-quality chrome vanadium steel, ensuring high hardness and wear resistance for long-lasting use. Additionally, the set includes four professional wood chisel tool sets, making it an excellent value for the price. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable woodworking chisel set, the ATOPLEE Wood Chisel Set is a great choice.
Narex 6 pc Set Woodworking Chisels
If you’re looking for a set of woodworking chisels, the Narex 6 pc Set Woodworking Chisels is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The blades are made from fine-grained, nicely tempered chrome-manganese steel and hardened to Rc 59, which means they take and hold an excellent edge.
- The set comes in a wooden presentation box, which makes it easy to store and transport.
- The handles are made from stained European Beech, which gives them a comfortable grip.
Cons
- The blades need to be sharpened before use.
- The chisels are not very sharp out of the box, so you’ll need to spend some time on a whetstone prior to using them.
- The 12 mm chisel looks like it missed the last sharpening stage, so it was rather dull.
The Narex 6 pc Set Woodworking Chisels is an excellent value in a good quality tool. The blades are accurately ground and have a slimmer cross-section that woodworkers prefer. The set contains six sizes, ranging from 6 mm to 26 mm, and the blades are ground at a 25-degree bevel. The handles have two ferrules to withstand vigorous mallet work and are black stained and lacquered European Beech. The blades have well-seated heavy steel tangs, and the overall sizes range in length from 10 1/ inch to 11 inches.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a set of woodworking chisels that are of exceptional quality and an excellent value for your money, the Narex 6 pc Set Woodworking Chisels is definitely worth considering.
Buck Bros. Woodworking Chisel Set
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable set of chisels for woodworking, the Buck Bros. Woodworking Chisel Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes three different sizes of chisels, making it versatile and perfect for handling a wide variety of common carpentry jobs.
- The chisels are designed to be used with both hand and mallet, and the steel caps on the handles allow you to make deeper cuts by striking the chisel with a wooden mallet.
- The steel chisel blades are composed of high-grade hardened and tempered tool steel, providing optimal strength, durability, and power.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the handles can be a bit slippery, especially when working with sweaty hands.
- While the chisels arrive sharp, they may dull quickly with heavy use and require frequent sharpening.
- The set only includes three chisels, which may not be enough for some users with more specific needs.
If you’re looking for a versatile set of chisels that can handle a variety of woodworking tasks, the Buck Bros. Woodworking Chisel Set is a great choice. The set includes three different sizes of chisels, which are perfect for handling a wide range of carpentry jobs. Additionally, the chisels are designed to be used with both hand and mallet, and the steel caps on the handles allow you to make deeper cuts by striking the chisel with a wooden mallet.
One of the standout features of the Buck Bros. chisels is the high-grade hardened and tempered tool steel used to make the chisel blades. This provides optimal strength, durability, and power, making the chisels ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, the handles are composed of shatter-resistant acetate, which provides extra strength and durability, and can withstand repeated mallet strikes without breaking.
While the chisels arrive sharp and ready to use right out of the package, some users have reported that they can dull quickly with heavy use and require frequent sharpening. Additionally, some users have reported that the handles can be a bit slippery, especially when working with sweaty hands. Finally, the set only includes three chisels, which may not be enough for some users with more specific needs. Overall, however, the Buck Bros. Woodworking Chisel Set is a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable and durable chisels for woodworking.
10pcs Wood Chisel Set
If you’re looking for an affordable set of chisels for your woodworking projects, the 10pcs Wood Chisel Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set comes with 10 chisels in various sizes, making it versatile and suitable for all types of woodworking projects.
- The chisels are made of high-grade chrome-vanadium steel alloy blades, which have a hardness of more than 60HRC after heat treatment, ensuring they last longer than regular blades.
- The thickened rubber handle increases comfort and maximum control, and the curved design allows for good control of force and will not feel tired for long hours.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the blades are dull and unable to sharpen to a usable blade.
- The quality of the metal used in the chisels is poor, according to some customers.
- The plastic case is the only part that would potentially satisfy the word “professional.”
The 10pcs Wood Chisel Set is a great option for beginners or those on a budget. The set comes with 10 chisels in various sizes, making it versatile and suitable for all types of woodworking projects. The chisels are made of high-grade chrome-vanadium steel alloy blades, which have a hardness of more than 60HRC after heat treatment, ensuring they last longer than regular blades. The thickened rubber handle increases comfort and maximum control, and the curved design allows for good control of force and will not feel tired for long hours.
However, some customers have reported that the blades are dull and unable to sharpen to a usable blade. The quality of the metal used in the chisels is poor, according to some customers. Also, the plastic case is the only part that would potentially satisfy the word “professional.”
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable set of chisels for your woodworking projects, the 10pcs Wood Chisel Set is a decent option. However, if you’re looking for high-quality chisels that will last you a long time, you may want to consider investing in a more expensive set.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying woodworking chisels, there are a few key features you should consider to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Blade Material
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a woodworking chisel is the material of the blade. High-carbon steel is a popular choice because it holds a sharp edge well and is relatively easy to sharpen. However, it’s also prone to rusting if not properly cared for. Stainless steel is another option that is more resistant to rust, but it can be more difficult to sharpen and may not hold an edge as well as high-carbon steel.
Blade Width
The width of the blade is another important factor to consider. For general woodworking tasks, a blade width of 1/2 inch to 1 inch is usually sufficient. However, if you’ll be working with larger pieces of wood or need to make deeper cuts, a wider blade may be necessary.
Handle Material
The material of the handle is also important to consider. Wood handles are popular because they provide a comfortable grip and can be customized to fit your hand. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and can crack or split over time. Plastic and rubber handles are also available and can provide a more durable option.
Bevel Angle
The bevel angle of the blade is another factor to consider. A low bevel angle (around 20 degrees) is best for general woodworking tasks, while a higher bevel angle (around 30 degrees) is better for more delicate work. Some chisels also feature a secondary bevel, which can make sharpening easier.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the chisel. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality chisel can save you money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring less frequent sharpening. Look for a chisel that fits within your budget but still meets your needs in terms of blade material, width, handle material, and bevel angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality bench chisel set?
When looking for a high-quality bench chisel set, there are several features to consider. Firstly, you should look for chisels made from high-quality steel that can hold a sharp edge for a long time. Additionally, the chisels should have comfortable handles that provide a good grip and reduce hand fatigue. A good chisel set should also come with a range of sizes to suit different tasks and have a sturdy storage case to keep them organized and protected.
How do Japanese chisels compare to Western chisels in terms of performance?
Japanese chisels are known for their exceptional sharpness and precision, making them ideal for fine woodworking tasks. They are typically made from harder steel than Western chisels, which allows them to hold a sharp edge for longer. However, they may require more frequent sharpening than Western chisels due to their harder steel. Western chisels, on the other hand, are more versatile and can handle a wider range of tasks due to their thicker blades and stronger bevels.
Can you recommend a durable chisel set suitable for professional woodworking?
For professional woodworking, a durable chisel set is essential. Some of the best options on the market include the Narex Premium Chisel Set, the Lie-Nielsen Bench Chisel Set, and the Two Cherries Chisel Set. These sets are made from high-quality steel and come with a range of sizes to suit different tasks. They also have comfortable handles and come with sturdy storage cases to keep them organized and protected.
What are the most recommended chisel brands by experienced woodworkers on forums like Reddit?
According to experienced woodworkers on forums like Reddit, some of the most recommended chisel brands include Narex, Lie-Nielsen, Two Cherries, and Ashley Iles. These brands are known for their high-quality steel, comfortable handles, and range of sizes.
Which chisel sets are best suited for beginners to learn woodworking?
For beginners learning woodworking, it’s important to have a chisel set that is easy to use and provides good value for money. Some of the best options include the Stanley Sweetheart Chisel Set, the Irwin Marples Chisel Set, and the VonHaus Chisel Set. These sets are affordable, come with a range of sizes, and have comfortable handles that are easy to grip.
Are Irwin Marples chisels considered reliable for fine woodworking projects?
Irwin Marples chisels are a popular choice for woodworking enthusiasts due to their affordability and range of sizes. While they may not be considered the most reliable option for fine woodworking projects, they are still a good choice for beginners or those on a budget. With proper care and sharpening, they can still produce good results.
