Narex Bench Chisels: Premium Made Affordable, Now In Imperial Sizes

Since their introduction to the U.S. market, Narex edge tools developed a reputation for excellent quality at affordable prices. Unfortunately, imperial sizes are more difficult to find. Infinity Tools now offers Narex Wood Line Plus bench chisels in true imperial sizes. These high-quality Wood Line Plus chisels come at a nearly unbeatable price. We carry eight sizes: 1/8"; 1/4"; 3/8"; 1/2";5/8"; 3/4"; 7/8"; and 1".  Purchase these chisels as a set of all eight, including a leather tool roll, so you always have the size you need and a place to store them! 

What's the Catch?

In short, there isn't one. The Chrome Manganese (Cr-Mn) steel used in Narex chisels is low-alloy high-carbon steel developed explicitly for making edge tools. Although Cr-Mn steel contains chromium, it is not present at the levels that would make this steel "stainless," reducing edge-holding ability. Narex hardens Wood Line Plus Chisels to 59 HRc using an extremely efficient and accurate isothermal hardening process. Isothermal hardening has no separate tempering stage. The steel goes straight from austenite to bainite (similar to tempered martensite) without going through a martensitic stage first. Isothermal hardening has a high frontend cost but involves fewer steps, and a near-zero reject rate. The result is a lower per-unit production cost.

Narex Bench Chisels' Premium Features

The finely feathered side bevels really stand out, leaving the square edge of the chisel with a very thin profile. This feature is uncommon at this price point. Many joinery tasks, such as cleaning the bottom of dovetails, make low-profile square edges essential. Chisels with wider square edges can tear into the sidewalls of the joint, leaving unsightly gaps at the corners when assembled. Handles are crafted from dense hornbeam, and brass plated ferrules guard against checking or splitting from repeated mallet blows. 

These tools are sharp right out of the box, but like all edge tools, benefit from light honing before use. Narex grinds the chisels before hardening, and show improved edge-holding ability after the first few times—meaning less honing in the future. Steel that performs in this way is also also known as work-hardening steel. Wipe down your tools with a light coat of oil after use, and avoid cleaning with solvents.  It is not possible to etch mark Cr-Mn steel. Blade markings are printed, and cleaning with solvents can eventually obscure or remove them. This won't affect performance, however, and the steel is not harmed by typical cleaning solutions.

All Around Performer

Narex Wood Line Imperial chisels aren't just for dovetails. They are more than just tools for fine work. Use them for refining tenon shoulders, squaring mortise sockets, and anywhere else you need a bench chisel. These tools are nimble enough for delicate joinery and tough enough for rougher use.  They perform as well as many higher-priced premium tools at a cost that won't break your budget.