Best Woodworking Chisels: Types, Choosing Guide & Recommendations

Published on: March 9, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

A woodworking chisel is an absolute must for any woodworker – be it a hobbyist or a woodworker by profession. This is the wood tool to take your crafting capability to the next level. 

As a wood junkie, you definitely know that a versatile woodworking chisel is as essential as a jigsaw or a carpenter ax.

However, there are countless variations in wood chisels in the market. So, it might be a daunting process to figure out the right pick for you. 

woodworking chisels types, choosing guide & recommendations (1)

Don’t worry. We have got your back. Our expert team has set a list of the foremost searched ten products out of many, and these are the most preeminent woodworking chisels of recent times. Besides, buying instructions and FAQs are also included for your convenience. 

Are you excited to explore the features in detail? Let’s start the journey without further delay.

What Are the Types of Wood Chisels?

An extraordinary wooden chisel takes a significant part in the many steps of making the wooden joints. It depends on the work factor that the right wooden chisel has versatile material to fit the requests. Here are the best wood carvings that perfectly match the various steps of the wood-production process

During the Working Period

Seat Wood Chisel

It has been named the most versatile tool for woodworkers because it can act as an angled edge, firm, or documented. However, it is mostly used for cutting and hacking wood.

Mortis Wood Chisel

This is the average decision of uncompromising hacking of mortise, including band, enrolled, and pig sticker mortise wood engraving, including “Band”, “Enrolled” and “Pig sticker” mortise wood chisel.

Paring Wood Chisel

It is made with a wonderful slender steel sharp edge and works effectively under low testing points. Something exceptional with regard to the Pairing wood chisel is the main hand-utilizing highlight.

During the Construction Period

Different types of handless lead bring variety to the features of chisels. How we see what they can do!

Socket Chisel

It has a cone-shaped handle attached to the metal cutting edge, along these lines, creating a higher strong development. Accordingly, attachment chisels are greatly more difficult.

Tang Chisel

Conversely, the tang chisel hides the metal tank inside the handle, inducing the danger of moving away from the handle when hit by the hammer again.

During the Handle Period

Picking the right handle can help keep your wood carving with you longer. There are two types of wooden H-handles:

Plastic Handle

Most importantly, it is a decision to plan the expenditure within the type of wood carving. The plastic handle demonstrates safety before re-shaking.

Wooden Handle

It is an almost well-known decision of wood manufacturers in light of the feeling of comfort and better appearance. In addition, it has better firmness when tested with a plastic handle.

What to Keep in Consideration While Choosing a Woodworking Chisel

We hope you have reviewed the features carefully. Must have developed some ideas about ideal wood chisels. But there are some crucial factors to examine. You need to check out the following things in order to buy an excellent quality woodworking chisel. Read more: How to Choose the Perfect Tape Measure for Woodworking

Types 

You need to understand what type of chisel you need. They are mostly three types – bench, mortise, and paring. Some sets come, including all three types. Conversely, some sets exclude a particular type. 

Bench chisels are used as all-purpose chisels. Mortise chisels are best for heavier woodwork. And the paring chisels are the most delicate out of the three. They finely slice wooden materials. 

You must check before buying whether your ordered set includes your desired type or not. 

Handle

The handle should be well-built and sturdy. Otherwise, it cannot withstand pressure. Generally, wooden handles are the best for maintaining balance. Besides, they don’t let your hands feel harsh. But a plastic handle is a budget-friendly alternative. 

Also, look for the in-between connection of the blade and the handle. Usually, socket handles hold the blades better than the tang handles. Also read: Finding the Best Circular Saw for Woodworking

Number of Chisels

It is always better to have extra chisels at hand. But no need to spend your sweat-earned money on unnecessary chisels. As a beginner, you may go for a set that contains 3-10 pieces of it. 

The set must have a variation in the product size. A good chisel should cover all your woodworking needs. 

Beveled or Flat Edge

Most of the chisels have beveled edges. They are the most demanded type. They can perfectly fit even into joints and corners. On the other hand, there are also flat edges. These chisels are quicker than the previous ones, no doubt. But they are not the right tool to fit in different angles. 

So, choose the edge type based on your convenience. 

Longevity

You certainly don’t want to buy a new chisel set every six months, right? 

So, longevity is a prior issue to consider. We would suggest choosing the material wisely. Cheap and low-quality steel will not last long. So go for premium quality material. They are not only durable but also cost-effective. 

What Types of Materials Are Best for Making a Woodworking Chisel?

The best materials for making a woodworking chisel are high-carbon steel for the blade and hardwoods such as beech or hornbeam for the handle. High carbon steel holds a sharp edge well and is durable, while hardwoods are strong and have a comfortable grip. Other options for handle materials include plastics and composites, which are lightweight and easy to work with, and metal, which is durable and offers a modern aesthetic. Some woodworkers prefer to use reclaimed materials such as old saw blades or files for the blade, which can add a unique character to the chisel.

Safety Precautions When Using a Woodworking Chisel

When using a woodworking chisel, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

  1. Always wear eye and ear protection.
  2. Use a sharp chisel, as a dull chisel can be more dangerous than a sharp one.
  3. Keep your fingers away from the cutting edge at all times.
  4. Use a wooden mallet or a chisel hammer to strike the chisel, never use a metal hammer.
  5. Use a bench vise or clamp to securely hold the workpiece in place.
  6. Use a push stick to keep your hands away from the cutting path of the chisel.
  7. Take frequent breaks to stretch and rest your hand and wrist.
  8. Use a dust mask to avoid inhaling wood dust.
  9. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the chisel or machinery.
  10. Always unplug power tools before making adjustments or changing blades or bits.

After thoughtful research, we have included the following ten products on our list. All these chisels are the current topper in the woodworking industry. Also, our expert technical team has spent hours judging each and every feature of the products. Below we have discussed the product features in detail with their amenities and drawbacks.  

Let’s have a look below for further details.

1. Iron Forge Tools 10 PCS Carbon Steel Woodworking Chisel

  • Weight: 4.92 pounds;
  • Material: Carbon steel;
  • 10-piece premium wood chisel set;
  • Chrome vanadium steel.

The very first one on our top ten list is a reasonably fine woodworking chisel set, ten pieces in number. Each of them comes with a rubber cap. This cap protects the sharpness for a long time. Also, it keeps the chisel safe from damage. 

You will get the package containing 6 mm, 13 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, and 38 mm woodworking chisels. We found them extremely edgy and durable. 

Get it with a claw hammer to provide ultimate comfort with its curved ends. The head of the hammer is made of alloy steel. Consequently, very sturdy in nature and has a non-slippy finish that increases its longevity to a considerable extent.

Handle follows the no-slip formula being tailored with ergonomic bi-material, it provides a secure grip. We would suggest this ten-piece chisel set as a perfect pick for beginners. You will get a robust ready-made toolbox as well that keeps all the parts in place. 

What We Liked:

  • High-quality steel;
  • Variation in sizes;
  • Easily portable feature ;
  • Comfortable rubber handle;
  • Ideal set for any woodworker.

What We Disliked:

  • Need to sharpen before use.

2. Kirschen 1101000 6-Piece Chisel Set in Wood Box

  • Weight: 2.99 pounds;
  • Size: 6 pc;
  • Height: 1.75″;
  • With beveled edges;
  • Length: 13.0″;
  • Handle Ergonomic rubber handles.

A perfect woodworking chisel set by Kirschens meets all your woodworking needs. Includes six-piece chisels having a dimension of 6 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, and 26 mm respectively. 

You will also get a honing guide and an aluminum oxide stone for sharpening. Don’t forget to sharpen it before use. We loved the rubber handle with adequate grip and control. The metal strike caps make them usable with a hammer. 

Blades with heat-treated material feature side bevels. Quick sharpening is the advantage. It comes with a storage case as well, which is exclusively elegant and wooden. 

Looking for an excellent chisel set for performing domestic or professional woodworking? Surely, this is your thing.

What We Liked:

  • Comprehensive tool range;
  • Made in Germany;
  • High-quality steel alloy blades;
  • Splitproof chisels with intricate woodworking ability;
  • Comfortable, rubberized handle.

What We Disliked

  • No issues.

3. Grebstk 4PCS Professional Wood Chisel Tools Set

  • Weight: 1.21 pounds;
  • Size 1/4 inch,1/2 inch,3/4 inch,1 inch;
  • Handle Material Beechwood;
  • Material: Cr-V steel and beech wood;
  • Blade: High-quality, sharp-edged Cr-V steel made blades;
  • Handle: Beechwood handle with sharp bevel edge.

Need a chisel set for professional woodworkers? Then go for it. However, it is intended for both beginners and professionals.

We got it with a plastic edge guard to protect the tip, black in color. Beechwood is the material to make the handle. There is a hoop on the handle made of stainless steel. It tightens the grip for more prolonged use. All the handles are very lightweight and bevel-edged. So, we found it relatively easy to control them while working with wood. 

The GREBSTK professional chisel features sharp blades, rush resistance, and is slightly oily. Noticeably, the sharp edge of each blade ensures optimal strength and validity. Because of the chrome vanadium steel, they are sturdy and tenacious.

Like other GREBSTK tools, this chisel set works perfectly well for any woodworking job.

What We Liked:

  • High-hardness sharp blades;
  • Convenient and strong grips;
  • Safety cap to cover the blades;
  • Reasonable price range;
  • Very effective for fine woodworking. 

What We Disliked:

  • Blades are not utterly square on arrival.

4. Ticoftech 9 Pieces Woodworking Chisel Set

  • Material: Heat-treated Cr-V;
  • Weight: 3.65 pounds;
  • Blade: Fully-forged steel blade;
  • Special features: Combination square, carpenter pencils.

Speaking of TICOFTECH, we must admit that they always manufacture industry-leading wood tools. This is not an exception, as well. We will recommend it as an essential wood chisel toolset for everyday use. It includes six pieces of woodworking chisels, a combination square, and two carpenter pencils. 

Chisels are usable for any woodwork. They are extremely sharp and pretty stable. Heading towards the blade, we noticed them featured Cr-V steel that is heat-treated. The chisels come in 6 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, 32 mm, and 38 mm. For long-term use, you will find the blades pretty hard and sharp. Along with razor-sharp performance and extreme edge control, it surely deserves a place on our top ten list.

Want to know what is more exciting? The 25° beveled edges will provide a burr-free, chip-free, and nick-free service. What an excellent service, isn’t it? 

Moving toward the handles, we found them to provide control, convenience, and accuracy. Being made of thermoplastic elastomer material, they are durable as well. We also loved the strike caps that are compatible enough to resist the hammer strikes. 

What We Liked:

  • Nine basic carpenter tools;
  • Razor-sharp performance;
  • Blades need less sharpening;
  • Smooth and refined beveled edges;
  • Protective cap with every chisel.

What We Disliked:

  • Found nothing.

5. Hurricane 4 Pieces Chisel for Woodworking

  • Weight: 1.15 pounds;
  • Material: Metal;
  • Blade: Cr-V steel blade;
  • Size: Chisels come in ¼”, ½ “, ¾”, 1″;
  • Handle Transparent and high impact.

Hurricane manufactured this product for multiple purposes. You can apply it to soft, rigid, or stratified wood products. The drop-forged blades are made of Cr-V steel. They perform outstandingly in terms of edge retention.

As the four chisels come in four different sizes, embrace the freedom to use them based on your requirements. There are blade guards for additional protection. Blades are coated with lacquer in order to be lubricated and remain smooth while woodworking.

Speaking of the PVC-colored and transparent handles, they would be comfortably used with your hand palm. To keep the bevel blades sharp and effective, they are covered with safety caps. The cutting edges are tactfully honed and heat-treated. That’s why they will serve you for quite a long period.

What We Liked:

  • Fairly affordable;
  • Extremely durable;
  • Bevel edge for multipurpose woodworking;
  • Needs less tuning;
  • Suitable for both home and workshop.

What We Disliked:

  • Edges could be sharper.

6. Workpro 3-Piece Woodworking Chisel

  • Weight: 1.39 pounds;
  • Material: Rubber and Cr-V steel;
  • Blade: Drop-forged, heat-treated steel blade;
  • Handle Ergonomic, bi-material, soft grip.

The next chisel on the list is from WORKPRO. In this set, you will get three chisels that come in three different sizes. They are- ½”, ¾,” and 1″. The blades with exclusive edge retention are made with Cr-V steel being perdurable in nature. 

With the bevel edges to be used in multiple woodworking tasks, any type of wood, including soft, hard, or stratified, can be carved by it. Excellent grip and lenience from aligning handles along with non-slip control. Also, there is a steel butt to resist heavy hammer or mallet striking. 

Concerned with safety? No worries as there are full-length safety guards to protect the blades. 

What We Liked:

  • Reasonable and cost-effective;
  • High-grade Cr-V blade construction;
  • Bi-material handle with soft grip;
  • Steel-made hammer end;
  • Beveled edge for various woodworking tasks.

What We Disliked:

  • Not sharp enough;
  • Blade chips quickly.

7. AmazonBasics 4-Piece Wood Chisel Set

  • Weight: 2.46 pounds;
  • Blade: Heat-treated steel alloy blades;
  • Handle: Plastic handles with contoured grip.

Compared to the other contemporary models, this one is a unique set including four chisels. It is suitable for any woodworker, be it a beginner or a professional. The chisels are 13 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, and 32 mm in size. 

We examined that the blades are made of chrome vanadium steel. At the end of the handles, meet the metal strike plates. You can pick it as a basic woodworking tool. Featured long-lasting blades and comfy plastic handles. 

Designed with soft TPR inserts, have a strain-free experience. Also, it assures more accuracy in control. The product also offers a pouch. We got the storage pouch with a buckle closure system to keep the chisels organized. 

However, this chisel set can be an ideal pick even by the amateurs if considered versatility. 

What We Liked:

  • Ergonomically tailored handles;
  • Sturdy and long-lasting blades;
  • Top-quality according to price;
  • Well-made structure;
  • Extraordinary sharpness.

What We Disliked:

  • Low quality of the carrying pouch.

8. WORKPRO Woodworking Chisel (W043001)

  • Hardened and tempered steel blade;
  • Weight: 5.8 pounds;
  • Size ‎1/2 in.;
  • Woodworking chisel for use with a hammer or mallet.

An immaculate chisel set from WORKPRO is another form of reliability. It is manufactured with premium high-carbon steel. Use it for years as all the chisels are well-made and adequately sharpened. 

With a protective lacquer coating on the blades, we experienced efficacy. All blades are bevel-edged. The layer makes them erode-resistant. One can spend it on trimming or sharpening with closed eyes. Additionally, the edges are perfectly honed for instant use. What more can you ask for?

Talking about other features, the chisels are well-refined and won’t rust over time. Soft rubber handles, no wonder give you complete control while working. Not finished yet. Get the rubber caps to secure the blades from any damage. You can perform any kind of wood job with it, from hardest to easiest. 

What We Liked:

  • A wide array of applications;
  • Robust and bevel blades;
  • Assembled with top-quality, non-slippy handles;
  • Hardened metal end resists hammer strikes;
  • Very reasonable price range.

What We Disliked:

  • Hard to maintain precision in cutting.

9. Imotechom 7-Pieces Woodworking Tools

  • Weight: 3.89 pounds;
  • Material: Chrome Vanadium;
  • Handle Walnut wood;
  • Blade: Pre-sharpened 60 Cr-V blades.

We cannot but include this 7-piece wood chisel set, manufactured by IMOTECHOM, on our top recommendation list. Comes with six chisels and a mallet hammer. Get the mallet made with solid beech wood. 

Referring to the blades, are finely sharpened for instant use and outstanding in terms of longevity. And of course, the handles need appreciation being designed with walnut wood. Although pretty hard, they do not create any discomfort while using. 

You will get an elegant wooden box with dual-layer panels. Explore the box with an integrated hinge, widened shape, and EPE protection. The package includes three straight gouges, one V-straight parting, one straight chisel, one curved gouge, and a wooden hammer. 

What We Liked:

  • Pretty sharp on arrival;
  • Elegant wooden storage box;
  • Robust yet comfy handles;
  • Variation of items.

What We Disliked:

  • Edges are not up to the mark.

10. Iron Forge Tools 4 Piece Woodworking Chisel Set

  • Material: Cr-V steel;
  • Weight: 1.42 pounds;
  • Grip: Comfy rubber grip;
  • Blade: Sharpened bevel blades.

A premium quality woodworking chisel set has four chisels inside. They are 6 mm, 13 mm, 19 mm, and 25 mm in size. Not only pros but also novices can get the best service out of it.

We found this four-piece chisel set more durable than any regular set. Because the heat-treated Cr-V steel gives it better longevity. Permits instant application on arrival. Got the bevel blades adequately sharpened. 

Handles are another vital part of any wood tool. The handles of these chisels are rubber-made, providing supreme grip and hold. Also, conveniently portable in the carrying pouch provided. There are grommets to let you hang the pouch wherever you like. 

What We  Liked:

  • Extremely durable;
  • Significantly sharp blades;
  • Impressive and secure storage pouch;
  • Well-built handles.

What We Disliked:

  • Complicated refunding process.

FAQs

We have tried our best to incorporate all the pertinent topics of woodworking chisel in the section above. If you still have some questions, go through the following section. Here, we will answer some of the most asked questions about top-graded woodworking chisels. 

What are the Top Quality Chisels? 

We have discussed some of the high-quality chisel sets above. Go through the review section carefully and choose a good set for your woodworking job. Still in confusion? Okay, let us give you some ideas. You may check out the VonHaus, Workpro, or Meterk wood chisel set. However, others also do justice to their names.

What is the Best Quality-Steel for a Woodworking Chisel?

Between carbon and stainless, high carbon steel seems to be the race winner. It holds the edge longer. Besides, you can effortlessly sharpen it anytime. So, our recommendation goes for high-carbon steel in terms of ease of use. Read also: How to Choose the Best 18 Gauge Brad Nailer for Woodworking

Which Type of Chisel You Should Not Use With a Mallet?

We already discussed the three types of chisels above. Among them, the paring chisels are the most fragile. So, you should avoid using them with a mallet. You can only use them for cutting thin wood.

Final Thoughts

An appropriate woodworking chisel will get your job done way earlier than you can imagine. Besides, you will get the topmost quality work. 

This handy wood tool is the ultimate game-changer when it comes to wood tasks. A hobbyist can produce woodwork like an expert. And the experts can compete with industry-grade products. All these are the charisma of this simple yet reliable, handy tool.

If you find it hard to select the right wood gear, we hope our top ten picks will come to your rescue. Just read attentively, and you will get all the necessary information in detail.

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About This Writer

david rowan author

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

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