Buying new chisels, Which flavor??

Two Cherries Flavor for me!!! *LINK*

Barry Frye

>Hello Todd,

I had the same dilemna as you. Wound up buying Two Cherries. A friend recommended them. He has both Two Cherries and Hirsch and says he thinks Two Cherries hold a better edge. Also, he says that when you dip the Hirsch chisels in paint stripper to remove the lacquer off the blade, the deer insignia just disappears. The Two Cherries cherries insignia is stamped in and looks very nice. Personally, I'd rather go with a maker that is proud to have their name remain on the chisel. All I know, is I am very happy with my Two Cherries and the decision I made. The sizes you choose will depend on the type of work that you do.


Two Cherries

Re: Buying new chisels, Which flavor??

Bill Tindall, E. TN

>I have been told by someone who visits the factory (US distributor) that Hirsch and Two Cherries are the same steel, different handle and fit and finish. I have not tested Hirsch, but the Two Cherries are greatly better than Sorby or what you have for chopping cuts (dovetail and mortise).

Re: Buying new chisels, Which flavor?? *LINK*

Adam DeGraff

>I have to say that I really love the one chisel I own by Barr. I wish I cold afford more. Anybody else heard of him? He is a toolmaker in Idaho I think? His stuff is expensive, but his work is amazing. The one chisel of his that I own holds an amazing edge. Anybody else have any experience with any of Barr's tools? If not, check him out.


Barr tools website

Re: Buying new chisels, Which flavor??

dave caudill

>I have a Barr adze and scorp and they are both of very high quality. I have seen his chisels when back in Maine at a Center for Furniture Craftsmanship class. Chris Becksvoort uses them and had a set he was using while demonstrating dovetails. Very nice.

As I've said many times before here I use old chisels for the most part and like them a lot. I have several sets of Witherby's, P.S.& W.'s, Swan, Stanley and they all are of great quality and really not too hard to find. I would argue that the quality and edge holding ability exceeds just about anything on the market now. Of course the Barr chisels and the new Lie-Nielsen chisels are probably an exception to this. I would say they are pretty equal.

Of course as mentioned before the price of the old ones is usually a little easier to swallow than a Barr or LN. And then the Japanese chisel offerings is another good option. Don't just go for price. I have several sets of different chisels and find I have several favorites and they are not all of the same set. I have an old one inch P.S.& W. that I love it just feels good and is the right length and holds a great edge. I find I use it every chance I get as it is a joy to use. The same goes with other sizes. Sometimes a mix and match set as you find the ones that fit is a better way to go. Try a few and see what happens. You might be surprised as to what jumps up and becomes your favorites.

Dave

Thanks for all the help. Ordered Two Cherries!

Randal Todd

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