The 10 Best Wood Chisel Sets

Editor's Notes

February 05, 2021:

The type of woodwork you want to carry out is the primary factor when considering a set of chisels. A general-purpose set with heavy-duty handles, such as the DeWalt 4-Piece Set or the larger VonHaus Premium, usually consists of a range of sizes, and are ideal for shaving rough surfaces, cutting mortice joints, or shaping corners. However, intricate work such as carving or engraving will require a more varied set with differently shaped blades, as found on the Schaaf Set of 12.

In this update, we added the relatively unique set of Hersent Knives, which feature solid metal shafts with tungsten carbide tips. These are very strong and are used for making precise cuts on tough materials such as hardwood, alabaster, and even stone, and rather than the wood or polypropylene handles usually found on these type of chisels, they feature comfortable, leather-wrapped grips.

March 14, 2019:

Well-made, reliable chisels are a must when it comes to producing beautiful woodworking pieces that stand out for their quality. Those who prefer traditional, hardwood handles will appreciate the UK-manufactured Stanley Sweetheart and Bailey sets, which afford a touch of elegance. For colorful, plastic handles that will stand out on any workbench, look to the VonHaus Craftsman and Premium sets, as well as the DeWalt and WorkPro products. Any serious woodworker will appreciate the all-inclusive Schaaf set, which includes both chisels and gouges in a wide range of sizes, along with a canvas tool roll. Most of the sets come with protective tips for safe storage, and the VonHaus choices are both conveniently equipped with sturdy storage boxes. While most woodworkers plan to sharpen their tools to their liking upon arrival, some (especially dabblers) prefer not to have to spend the time. Therefore, throughout our list, we did make note of selections that do (and don’t) arrive particularly sharp out of the box.