Lee Valley Narex Richter Chisels

To mark their 100th anniversary, Narex has developed a line of chisels that are certainly some of the finest tools that this small, renowned Czech firm has ever produced.

Combining premium materials with skilled workmanship, these are well-made chisels. The blades are made of chrome-vanadium steel, hardened to Rc61-63 and cryogenically treated to toughen the steel without making it brittle. They will take and hold a fine edge.

To permit the sidewall clearance needed to work in narrow recesses, the blade tapers in thickness from front to back and has narrow lands, which have rounded-over edges to reduce the risk of accidental cuts. Made to strict specifications, they are ground flat to within ±0.1mm along the first 2/3 of the blade as measured from the tip, and are sharpened to a keen edge that needs only light honing before use.

The European ash handle has a comfortable contoured shape and a domed end to resist chipping from mallet blows. It is fitted with a leather shock washer and a heavy-gauge ferrule turned from solid stainless steel.

Available individually and in a set of four (1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ widths) and a set of all eight (1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″). Blades range from 4 3/4″ to 6″ long.

Well balanced, with impressive fit and finish throughout, these are well-priced chisels for this level of quality.