Re: Chisel Choice--Too Long
Alan Hamilton
>Andrew,
You may want to consider Hirsch bench chisels. It was explained to me (here, IIRM) that Hirsch chisels are identical to Two Cherries; not close, identical--in fact, they supposedly are made in the same factory.
There is one big difference between Two Cherries and Hirsch chisels--the price. A set of six Hirsch chisels set me back only about two-thirds the price of six Two Cherries. That's why I got the Hirsch chisels from Lee Valley.
My Hirsch chisels are excellent! I can find nothing wrong with mine--except perhaps that they take some time to flatten the back and put on a sharp edge the first time. Oh, and they come with the blades painted with some blasted %#$@*^&ing lacquer. They are an absolute delight to use. Some don't like the Hirschs' wood handles, but I do. I find the handles are a very comfortable size; and the wood is lovely to hold and behold.
I also have a set of four Two Cherries mortising chisels. They look faultless to me so far. They are serious tools, large and heavy, they invite me to put them to work just through their heft and no-nonsense design.
Some complain that the handles are too large. They are large, but IMHO not too large by any means. They are serious handles for serious mortising chisels. But I have fairly large paws, so you might want to try one on before you spring open your wallet. My wallet always seems to be automatically spring-opened when I encounter tools of this quality.
I'm still in my wheelchair, but I couldn't wait. I sharpened one of the mortising chisels the other day and whacked it into some QS white oak. Outstanding! I had been using Marples mortising chisles; there's quite a difference. I believe the Two Cherries actually took a sharper edge than my Marples; and there's no doubt in my mind that it'll hold that edge longer. That large handle made it easier for me to get a sure grip and control the chisel, to keep it properly aligned. This may just be the halo effect of the much-revered name "Two Cherries"; after all, my recent efforts weren't much of a trial of sharpness or endurance or utility.
But I'm convinced I could not do much--if any--better than either my Hirsch bench chisels or Two Cherries mortising chisels. I recommend them both to you without reservation.
Alan
