Narex Czech Steel Premium 4 pc Set 8 mm (5/16), 10 mm (3/8), 16 mm (5/8), 32 mm (1-1/4 Inch) Chisels w/Hornbeam Handles 863202

Good quality metal and holds and an edge quite well, also they have nice handles. Best affordable chisels on the market.

In short, I used the one inch chisel on yellow pine, and ended up this 3 chips on the edge. Bought as a replacement for 20 year old Marples chisels(they would occasionally chip too, but this was my first experience with Narex. Was chopping a recess in yellow pine for a vice installation. Perhaps a mortising chisel would have done better, but I always chopped with my Marpels chisels. Reestablished the micro-bevel, and the chisel performed better than Marpels at paring. The steel seems harder than marpels, but was very disppointed with chips. One day later I noticed the first 1/64th-1/32" inch of steel on the tip seems to be softer. Once I sharpened past that, the chipping issue seems to have resolved. Raising my rating to a 4, I don't really like the shape of the handles, but that is different for every hand.

Definitely needed to be sharpened out of the box. Sharp is one thing, but an even edge and flat back is another. I spent about an hour getting it to the way I wanted it to be. Flattened the back up about an inch and a half from the edge. ...then spent time with 4-5 different grits to put a razor sharp even edge on. I also took it from it's 25 degree angle to a 30 degree. It held the edge w/o resharpening for a dozen or so 3" deep by approx 4" wide mortices in redwood. I probably still dont need to sharpen them being its been used in soft wood, but I will anyway b/c I love it razor sharp and the next sharpening should only take about ten minutes. It's a great set of chisels for the money. I'd keep using this company anytime I need more.

These chisels are a great value. Are they Lie Nielsen or Veritas? Nope, but at $13 a chisel you shouldn't expect them to be. It took about an hour to flatten the backs and hone the bevel to get all 4 razor sharp. Getting the lacquer off is a PITA, so expect it. I took extra time and smoothed out the handles with steel wool, buffed the ferrule, and add some BLO to the handles. Now they are quite beautiful. I like the feel of the handles. Edge retention has been solid so far, but I am working with pine currently. Will update with any issues with hardwoods. If I could afford $70 a chisel I'd buy Veritas,...but I can't so Narex it is...

Nice quality. Required minimal tuneup. Backs were quickly flattened. I have been working European beach, and the chisels perform well and hold a good edge. Would highly recommend them.

Nice tools that aren't made in China. These are great quality at a good price.

Holds an edge! Flattening the back took quite a while, and sharpening also took longer than I’m used to...but these things hold an edge about 6 times as long as my previous set (construction type chisels).

Bought these for my husband for Christmas. He has wanted nice chisels and was thrilled. After the 2nd time using the largest one, we noticed 2 chips out of the tip of the blade. Very disappointed. Maybe he used it wrong or maybe I got a lemon. I don't know.