Narex chisels – a good buy all round
For more information on chisels, see our beginner site Common Woodworking.
Well, we ordered these and have been testing several sets before we order for the school. Will test them further, but so far they fair exceptionally well. I would say go ahead and buy without reserve. Again, they are from the Czech Republic like the Veritas Vises on the previous vise blog. I understand they are refined to Veritas spec’s and what I like is the relative fineness of the bevels and the balance in the hand. I actually cut off the top ferrule from the wood and cut through the wood to give a wider end surface. They feel and look better and are more comfortable in the hand too. The metal is an unnecessary addition aimed at construction workers and for those beating chisels with steel hammers, which we never do. I wish they had gone for a nice brass ferrule instead. Would have transformed the appearance of the chisel at minimal extra cost.
It’s good to know of a new chisel that’s worthwhile and interesting that you mention about the handle and brass ferrule. If you look for the narex range back in the UK they have the 8116 range which have a nicer handle and brass ferrule. You can see them here http://www.workshopheaven.com/tools/Narex_8116_Cabinetmakers_Chisels.html
Perhaps Mr Lee may consider bringing them over to this side of the pond?
Highland Hardware carries these as “Premium” Narex chisels. They have hornbeam handles, brass ferrule between handle and steel, and no ferrule on the end of the handle. A little more expensive than the “standard”, and they’re currently out of stock 🙁
Sorry, didn’t include a link: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/narex-premium-bench-chisel-set-with-leather-tool-roll.aspx
I saw those later on after I had posted mate, shame they’re out of stock. I do prefer the look of the dark handle versions, not that it makes a difference in use.
Just ordered the set of 4 at Lee Valley. Hopefully they are still decent. http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=67707&cat=1,41504
At any rate, I assume they’ll be better than the ones I got at Lowes 5 years ago and beat to death with a metal hammer before discovering woodworking. Actually, those still sharpen up nicely on my diamond plates and have served me pretty well so far, but looking for an upgrade.
They’re very nice chisels actually. Mines are less than a year old. For that price I don’t think you can do better. Just be sure to reshape the bevel to 30 degrees before passing judgement on them 🙂 They arrive at 25 degrees and the edge fractures under mallet work at that angle. Give them a few sharpenings and switch to 30 and I think you’ll be pretty happy with them.
Regarding Narex chisels – Here is a link to the Narex catalog page showing the lines of chisels that are available. I was surprised to see the different handle styles and materials available presumably with the same quality steel. http://www.narextools.cz/en/chisels I just purchased and received an 8 piece set from an Amazon seller. They were of the following sizes –
Narex (Made in Czech Republic) Premium (Hornbeam handles) 8 pc set 6 (1/4″), 8 (5/16″), 10 (3/8″) 12 (1/2″), 16 (5/8″) 20 (11/16″) , 26 (1″ 1/16″), 32 (1 1/4″) mm Chisel They were Sold by: Taylor Toolworks ( based in the US). The total price including shipping (I am in the US) was $98.99. I am thinking that perhaps they could be acquired from a UK seller or nearby other European source for even less since the shipping would be less? Another thing is that they also offer a Narex chisel in plastic handled models. It looks like they offer 3 different styles of plastic handles. It looks like they are the same hardness and steel as are used in the wood handled versions. Bottom line is that it looks like they have good quality wood chisels available in several styles and presumably different price points. I have just received my chisels and have not used them yet or sharpened them. They look very nice and well put together. I hope this helps.
Reggie Ogg