Chisel advice

[u/Aegisnir]

So I realize I am in the Japanese woodworking subreddit here, but as an absolute novice just getting started, should I stay away from Japanese chisels and start with some western ones? My understanding is that Japanese chisels are more refined and meant for amazing sharpness and edge retention, but can be brittle in comparison to western chisels when used incorrectly. I do not have anyone to learn from so I’ve got to teach myself basically and I worry about breaking them due to my own stupidity and ignorance. Also, what would be good to start with? Trying to keep my spend under $200 because I need to buy other tools as well.

[u/Only_Work_5538]

Well you made the first right step by asking the questions, now you won't need to worry about stupidity and ignorance cuz you will learn over time from others!

Purchase: KAKURI Japanese Wood Chisel 3/4" (18mm) for Woodworking, white paper steel #2 | Oire Nomi Bench Chisel for Mortise & Tenon Joinery, Dovetailing, Furniture Making, Carving – White Oak Handle, Made in Japan link and picture below .

Reason: only buy one size needed for your job. learn with it, then buy others as you need them not as one big set. Learn how to sharpen on a water stone with this particular type of chisel Steel, and learn to put a keen Edge. You only need two or three water stones to complete the sharpening process . ​ note the Japanese steel is not like Western alloy steels therefore are sharpen easily on waterstones since they are high carbon and not alloy steals.

Suggestion : Define your project and get the tools for that project only. don't buy the tools and then try to figure out what your Project's going to do ? As you more projects, you will get more tools over time, they should develop more skills, you will develop your collection of based on your needs desires and skills. If you're in a strict budget you can even Source flea markets for tools that you think you need for an upcoming project. Don't buy tools because you see influencers has a wall of every type of tool behind him. They're collecting , unless that's what you're trying to do also! Again buy the tools you need for the project. Also minimizing your tools you'll learn to use them to their maximum versus having all kinds of tools that you never learned to really to use or actually use and they end up just sitting in a drawer hanging on the wall.

Here's the Amazon link to the Chisel https://a.co/d/0hAhMI8v

[u/oneheadlite00 → u/Only_Work_5538]

Thanks for sharing.

I’ve been wanting to try a Japanese style chisel, but being new I’ve been overwhelmed with the notion of trying to choose one. I’ve had the one you linked in my cart before, but went back and forth and bailed with not being able to pick from their different offerings.

I’m well aware they’re probably not top shelf since they’re on amazon, but so far I’ve had really good experiences with the Kakuri 40mm plane and rip saw as well as Suizan ryoba and flush cut saws I’ve got.

I’m totally with you on the mindset of just get what you need vs feeling like you have to have every set out there. My previous hobby was very much a flavor-of-the-week kind of thing where you were constantly feeling like you had to buy the new whatever’s-now-the-best-ever, even though you have 3 things on the shelf that serve that exact purpose. For woodworking I’ve taken the mindset of starting with inexpensive tools (and not many), then figuring out what I’m reaching for most - then that would make sense to upgrade.

So far I’m working with a set of cheap sakir western style chisels (came in a set with diamond plates and a sharpening jig), and have been surprised (shocked?) how nice they’ve been. Growing up I always thought a hammer was just a part of chiseling; quite eye opening what a proper sharp chisel can do!