Narex Chisels?

Re: Narex Chisels?

This topic has been discussed here recently by myself and others.  The inexpensive format has excellent steel and poor handles, that can be modified, or buy them unhandled.  the premium model looks promising buy I have not tried one.

Re: Narex Chisels?

I tested some of their "standard" chisels in a group review.  The testers each used a different popular sharpening technique, and all chisels were photographed under very high magnification before and after sharpening and use.  The reviews of the chisels by a separate group revealed a mid-range of approval by the sharpeners as well as the testers. They chisels did not achieve a sharp durable edge using oil stones, water stones, and both dry and wet sharpening machines.  My personal opinion was that I would look further and probably have to spend more for a set of chisels.

Re: Narex Chisels?

Absolutely fine and a good value option. In my opinion their 8116 is their best all-rounder.

Re: Narex Chisels?

I had no problem getting the chisel as sharp as an other carbon steel chisel.  I think I am remembering correctly, I dovetailed a set of 4 ash drawers with the Narex as an evaluation and the chisel did fine.  I reported the result on WC about the time Weaver was doing the Unicorn work. 

question

Is there a text report of this work?  What fared better than Narex?  Anything fare better that cost less than $50 a chisel?

I am most curious about the sharpening test.  There is no reason this steel will not sharpen to the same degree as any chisel.  It is a simple carbon steel, enhanced with a nitrogen treatment to result in a moderately hard carbon steel. 

I was about the ask the same question.

Re: Narex Chisels?

To be clear, the ones tested were the "Classic" model Narex chisels; set of 4 widths.  The "Richter" chisels were not available at the time of this test. There was one sharpener for each chisel, each using a different sharpening medium/technique.  I sharpened mine with Norton water stones. Another used a motorized wet wheel. Another oil stones. and the last used a dry disk media power sharpener.  Chisel bevels were then photographed using photo microscopy available at particle research facility before and after performing routine chisel tasks.  The sharpened chisels were then passed on to four use-testers.  None of the testers subjectively preferred the Narex in use to their own modern or vintage chisels, although this is admittedly a very small sample. The chisels were then photo-microscoped again to reveal the extent of any degradation. The results were presented at a club meeting; after which the chisels were given away as a set in a raffle drawing.

This all took place during the time that Paul Sellers was touting the Aldi chisels.  Coincidentally, Aldi's U.S. headquarters is located in the town where this club meets monthly.  I mention this because some woodworkers I knew at that time seemed to become fixated with the idea of $8.00 /4 chisels ($2 per) chisels being favorably comparable to chisels costing five times that much.  Certainly, Narex chisels probably belong in the midpoint of the quality continuum.  Certainly they are neither Aldi quality nor are they Blue Spruce quality, particularly in esthetic appeal.  It could be said that they have honest value, and can be affordably replaced when necessary.

Re: Narex Chisels?

"could be said that they have honest value, and can be affordably replaced when necessary."

Seems very reasonable.