Woodworkers, crafts people, and hobbyists all want a set of the best wood chisels to create their work. With this type of tool, a block of wood can be transformed into a piece of furniture, toy, or work of art.
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A chisel is equipped with a sharp blade at the tip – this blade is used for cutting and carving wood to the user’s desired shape. Typically, a mallet or a hammer is used to pound on the chisel while applying force to cut through wooden materials. Chisels can also be used in conjunction with a wood lathe machine.
Today, I will help you choose the best wood chisels for your needs. And in this post, I will present you with 6 of the best products in this category and review them in a Top 6 format.
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Best Wood Chisels (January 2020): Top 6 Picks & Reviews
? | Brand | Product Name & Features | Rank | Quality | ?Price | Overall | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| #1 | A | $$$$$ | |||
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| #2 | B+ | $$$$ | |||
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| #3 | B | $$$ | |||
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| #4 | B | $$$ | |||
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| #5 | A+ | $$ | |||
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| #6 | C+ | $ |
Why You Need Wood Chisels
Wood Chisels Set
Different types of wood chisels have different uses. Their sizes can also define their purposes as follows:
- Small Wood Chisels – Small chisels with narrow-tipped blades are meant for defining tiny details in a woodwork. The user must be careful not to take out big chunks of wood during the finishing process, you know.
- Medium Wood Chisels – These are the most basic types of chisels and they’re versatile enough to perform detailing in small projects.
- Large Wood Chisels – Because of their size, these chisels are used to remove large chunks and portions of wood to make way for the basic form of the main project.
- Extra Large Wood Chisels – Extra-large chisels are also extra tough as they’re meant for roughing out the shape of a block of wood to make it more manageable.
Note: The procedure to working with wood usually involves the use of larger chisels first (depending on the size of the project). The carpenter or wood worker will then finish off by using small chisels to detail or finalize the work.
Your Buying Options In Wood Chisels
You actually have 2 buying options when looking out to purchase the best wood chisels.
Buy A Set
- You will save on money when you buy a set of wood chisels as the price per piece is usually lower when buying a package (it can even include a free case or holder).
The only disadvantage to this method is that the package can contain pieces that you really don’t need in your projects.
Buy Individual Pieces
- You also have the option of buying one piece of chisel at a time. With this technique, you will eventually grow your collection according to your specific needs.
Each piece, however, will be more expensive.
A Set of Bevel-Edge Bench Chisels via Wood and Shop
The Main Types of Chisels: Bench, Mortise, & Paring via Wood and Shop
Again, buying a set or individual pieces is up to you. This will depend on your purpose, goal, and type of work.
3 Basic Types Of Wood Chisels
- Bench Chisels
- Paring Chisels
- Mortise Chisels
In order to make an intelligent decision as to the best wood chisels for your needs, it’s important to understand the types of chisels that woodworkers, carpenters and hobbyists use. Below are the 3 basic types of chisels and I will discuss each one briefly in the next sections of this post.
- Bench Chisels
- Paring Chisels
- Mortise Chisels
Bench Chisels
Bench Chisels via Fine Woodworking
Considered as the work horse in the chisels family, this is the most basic type of chisels because you will use the pieces in this group frequently. These chisels are also versatile – that you can even use them as paring and mortising chisels.
For this type of chisel, it’s best to choose models that have bevel edges. This means that the blades have angled edges on the sides to enable the chisels to fit into tight spaces.
Having a set of 4 to 10 pieces of bench chisels can work for beginners and experts alike. And if you choose wisely, you can depend on a set of bench chisels to complete the work in several projects.
Chisel Handles: Socket Chisels or Tang Chisels? via Wood and Shop
Chisel Blade System Styles
There’s another factor that you need to understand when looking out to buy wood chisels. There are 2 blade system styles to choose from:
- Socket
- Tang
- Socket Chisels
- Tang Chisels
Socket Chisels
Socket Chisel via Wood and Shop
Socket chisels have blade systems that are positioned on top of the handle. The blades, therefore, are removable. Here are some of the advantages of socket chisels:
- They’re more durable and stronger than tang style.
- If the handle gets broken, you can easily get a replacement handle for the remaining blade.
- You can replace the chisel handle anytime (if you want to).
As for the disadvantages, consider the points below:
- Socket chisels are more difficult to create than tang chisels as they require more time to make – this can add to their price.
- Sometimes, the blade system can come loose – you might need to apply some glue to keep the blade part from separating from the handle.
Chisel Handle Materials
- Wood
- Plastic
Chisel handles should never be taken for granted as you will need to hold onto this tool while doing a project. An ergonomically designed handle will surely help with your work, and so is the type of handle. Basically, there are 2 types of chisel handles:
- Wood Handle
- Plastic Handles
Wood Handle
Octagonal Boxwood Chisel Handles via Lee Valley and Veritas
Consider the following benefits of a wooden handle:
- Wood handles are aesthetically better looking than plastic handles.
- Handles that are made of wood offer good balance.
- Granting that the wooden handle is ergonomically designed, this will be more comfortable on the hands of the user.
Here’s the one negative thing about wood handles:
- They’re more expensive than plastic handles.
Reviews Of The Top 6 Best Wood Chisels
- Number of Chisels – This model is a 4-piece package.
- Size – There are ¼, ½, ¾, and 1 inch sizes in this model.
- Blade System – The blades are made of high carbon steel.
- Design – This set is composed of chisels with long, thin blades.
- Handle – The handles on this model are made of hornbeam wood.
Stanley 16-791 Sweetheart 750 Series Socket Chisel Set, Brown, 4 - Piece via Amazon
Professional furniture makers, beginner carpenters and hobbyists will find this set very useful. The Stanley 750 chisels set comes with the most basic of sizes in bench chisels.
The Stanley 16-791 Sweetheart 750 Series Chisel Set (video) is another model of bench chisels. These pieces have bevel edges and they come in socket style handles.
Stanley 16 791 Sweetheart 750 Series Socket Chisel Set Brown 4 Piece via Aaliyah Weston
Pros
- The handles are comfortable on the hands.
- The ends of the handles are made to be wide so it’s hard to miss them.
- This model set comes with a nice leather pouch.
- The handles are durable.
Cons
- The blades need some sharpening before you can use them properly (but sharpening blades on such tools is normal).
Editor's Rating
?Rating | |
|---|---|
Rank | #1 |
Quality | A |
Price | $$$$$ |
Overall | 4.4 |
- Number of Pieces – This package is a 6-piece model.
- Size – The following sizes are included in this set: 5/32, 3/16, ¼, 5/16, 3/8, and ½ inch.
- Blade System – The blades on this package are made of chrome steel tempered to RC 59.
- Handle – The handles on the chisels are made of Beechwood.
- Design – All the pieces are full tang models but they come with 2 steel ferrules each (for added protection and strength).
Narex 6 pc set 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm Mortise Chisels 811204-811212 via Amazon
Narex is trusted brand and it only seems logical to trust their chisels even if these are full tang models. The manufacturer made sure that the pieces are supported by metal ferrules to withstand heavy blows necessary for making mortises.
Narex 6 pc set 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm Mortise Chisels 811204-811212 via Amazon
This model from Narex is composed of a set of mortise chisels. These Narex mortise chisels (video) are tang chisels and they don’t have bevel edges.
Narex Mortise Chisels via Bill Schenher
Pros
- This set is composed of good looking chisels.
- The blades are made to be tough and durable.
- The handles offer firm grips.
Cons
- While this model is comprised of 6 pieces of chisels, it doesn’t come with a case for storage.
- This is a tang model set – the handles are prone to splitting.
Editor's Rating
?Rating | |
|---|---|
Rank | #2 |
Quality | B+ |
Price | $$$$ |
Overall | 4.6 |
Paring Chisel Set
This paring chisel set from Buck have bevel edges. If you’re looking for a good set of paring chisels, you can consider this package.
- Number of Pieces – This is a 3-piece package of paring chisels.
- Size – It comes with 3/8, ¾, and 1 inch size blades.
- Handle – This model has ash wood handles supported with metal ferrules for added strength.
- Blade System – The blades are made of carbon steel tempered to RC 58 to 59.
- Design – For paring purposes, the pieces are made to be long. With 6-inch blades and 6.25-inch handles, the total length is more than 12 inches long.
Paring Chisel Set via Amazon
This set is a great paring chisel set and you can use it for delicate trimming and finishing touches.
Pros
- The chisels are easy to control.
- This set is composed of durable pieces of chisels.
Cons
- The handles are quite large and not that comfortable (especially if you have small hands).
Editor's Rating
?Rating | |
|---|---|
Rank | #3 |
Quality | B |
Price | $$$ |
Overall | 4.1 |
Two Cherries 500-2012 Two Cherries Heavy Duty Mortise Chisel -12mm
If you’re only looking out to buy one piece of mortise chisel, you can consider this model. The Two Cherries 500-2012 Mortise Chisel doesn’t come with a bevel edge.
- Number of Pieces – This is a one-piece package.
- Size – It comes with a ½ inch size blade.
- Blade System – Its carbon steel blade is tempered to RC 61.
- Handle – Its handle is made of hornbeam solid wood and incorporated with a leather piece as shock absorber.
- Design – This chisel is designed to be extra-long. It has a total length of 13 inches.
Two Cherries 500-2012 Two Cherries Heavy Duty Mortise Chisel -12mm via Amazon
Made and forged in Germany, this is a durable and long lasting mortise chisel. If you really just need one piece of this type of chisel, this size can work as your all-around mortising chisel.
Pros
- It’s a large chisel that can do heavy duty mortising jobs.
- The blade is strong and sharp.
- The handle is good looking and durable.
Cons
- For just one piece of chisel, this model seems very expensive.
Editor's Rating
?Rating | |
|---|---|
Rank | #4 |
Quality | B |
Price | $$$ |
Overall | 4.5 |
Narex (Made in Czech Republic) 4 pc set 6mm (1/4"), 12 (1/2"), 20 (3/4") , 26 (1 1/16") mm Woodworking Chisels 863010
The Narex Woodworking Chisels 863010 is a set of bench chisels and the pieces come with bevel edges. These Narex wood chisels use tang style blade system.
If you’re looking for the best bench chisels, consider this model as one of your options.
- Number of chisels – The package is composed of 4 pieces of chisels.
- Size – The sizes of chisels include ¼, ½, ¾, and 1 inch. The overall length of the pieces are 11 inches.
- Blade system – The blades are made of chrome manganese steel. These are hardened to RC 59.
- Bevel Edges – The pieces come with 25-degree bevel edges.
- Handle – The brown wood handles are made from European Beechwood.
Narex (Made in Czech Republic) 4 pc set 6mm (1/4"), 12 (1/2"), 20 (3/4") , 26 (1 1/16") mm Woodworking Chisels 863010 via Amazon
This chisel set is a great entry level selection. Narex is made in Czech Republic and their products are known to be durable. So, while the pieces are full-tang, they are supported by 2 ferrules on both ends of the handle to keep the handle from splitting and breaking. A lot of people consider this model as the best chisels for carpentry work.
Pros
- The set has a nice wood design.
- The blades are sharp.
- The blades are easy to maintain and sharpen.
Cons
- This set doesn’t include a case, it only comes in ordinary box.
- The chisels are in tang style.
Editor's Rating
?Rating | |
|---|---|
Rank | #5 |
Quality | A+ |
Price | $$ |
Overall | 4.6 |
Diefenbacher 1" Paring Chisel
This Diefenbacher Paring Chisel set is composed of chisels with bevel edges. If you only need one piece of paring wood chisel, this model is one of your best options.
- Number of Pieces – This model carries just one piece of paring chisel.
- Size – 1 inch.3. Blade System – The blade on this model is made of carbon steel tempered to RC 58.
- Handle – The handle on this chisel is made of hardwood materials.
- Design – This paring chisel is made to be long – the handle is 6.25 inches and the blade measures 6 inches. The total length of the chisel is more than 12 inches long.
Diefenbacher 1" Paring Chisel via Amazon
This is a multi-purpose paring chisel and it can be your only go-to paring chisel when you need to finish up on a project.
Pros
- The length is really good for a paring chisel.
- The blade is very sharp.
- You can tell that the chisel is of good quality.
- It comes with a really nice handle.
Cons
- It seems expensive for just one piece of chisel.
Editor's Rating
?Rating | |
|---|---|
Rank | #6 |
Quality | C+ |
Price | $ |
Overall | 4.5 |
Choosing The Best Wood Chisels
I have just presented you with the Top 6 best wood chisels on the market today. I also made sure that you have options for choosing bench, paring, and mortise chisels.
In the bench chisels options, you can choose between the Narex and the Stanley models. They’re very similar in design and they also come with the same set of blade sizes (1/4, ½, ¾, and 1 inch). While the Narex wood chisels cost less than the Stanley model, the latter comes with a leather pouch. Any of these 2 sets will work well for you – whether you’re a beginner or expert woodworker.
Tools of the woodcarver
For the paring chisel options – I provided you with a 3-piece set from Buck and a 1-piece set from Diefenbacher. The Buck package comes with 3/8, ¾, and 1 inch blades – which is a good combination of sizes. However, if you only need one piece as your go-to paring chisel, you can also opt to get the Diefenbacher model. With a 1-inch size blade, it’s an all-around paring chisel anyway.?
Now, if you’re particularly looking for a mortise chisel, you have 2 options to choose from – the Narex 6-piece package (with 5/32, 3/16, ¼, 5/16, 3/8, ½ inch) or the Two Cherries 1-piece model (with ½ size blade). Of course, the 6-piece pack is more practical if you want a variety of options when creating mortises.
However, a 1-piece model can also work well if you’re always working on standard projects. And a ½ size blade in a mortise chisel can serve as a multi-purpose tool for all your woodworks.?
Wood sculpture with chisel
I provided you with a good list of the best wood chisels up there to serve as your guide before buying a piece or a set of chisels. I would appreciate it if you let me in on your choice of chisels by leaving a message in the comment section below. And I will also greatly appreciate it if you share this wood chisels review article with your friends.?
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