Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Hirsch chisel question
John Meikrantz
>What is the difference in profiles between the Hirsch Firmer chisels (as seen in the LV catalog) and the octagonal handled Hirsch bevel edge chisels (as seen at Highland Hardware)? It's kind of hard to tell the difference from a photo, but they both look about the same... Anyone handled both?
John
Firmers vs Bevelled edge firmers
Andrew F in Australia
>Hi John,
Without looking at the catalogues, a firmer is a chisel that is almost rectangular in cross section (the sides are canted maybe 1 degree if that, away from the bottom edge). Modern firmers are square as they are cheaper to make that way.
Bevelled edge firmers have the wide bevel ground onto the top surface of the chisel, giving you more capability to cut into tight corners at the expense of a loss in bending strength. For today's work, that's not really a loss, as the use of power tools has overtaken the 'grunt' work that used to be done by chisel. eg: chopping mortices, cutting rebates, etc.
Hope that this helps you spot a difference in the pictures.
Let us know if that's what it is.
Cheers,
Andrew
None
Adam Cherubini, NJ
>I believe Hirsch offers 2 different quality lines. The lower line (offered by LV) has a smaller handle. You can identify it by a characteristic ring near the lower ferrule. These tools are said to be identical to the "best" line in terms of blade shape/metalurgy. The difference in price is a function of the handle and blade polishing/honing.
I think the same is true of Kirschen. Not sure about Ulmia.
It is my understanding that Hirsch, Kirschen (2 cherries) and Ulmia are all the same tool. At least one of my Hirsch chisels has an ULMIA stamp on the handle.
I think Hirsch may offer a more robust firming chisel with square sides, but I think the chisels you are asking about are not those chisels (regardless of the names). I'm pretty sure, in terms of blade shape, that the tools are identical.
Others have complained about the handles (not sure which handles they had) and there's been discussion of simply replacing them. You may choose to consider that in your purchase.
Adam