Dear chisel straigheners...

...please stop!







Sincerely,


David M. Shepard

Dave, you having problems with chisel straighteners? Anything we can do to help?

Tim

Yes, tell them all to buy Barr or Sorbey chisels. I've been closely scrutinizing chisels for a while now, and find that many of them have neither a perfectly flat back, or the "rocking chair" back, which I prefer. They have a big hump not far behind the cutting edge. My diagnosis is that someone is mistakenly thinking that the rocking chair is bad, and is trying to straighten it cold, and really making a mess of things.

Some people like a flat back, either from preference, or from training. I've got no problem with that, but messing up a classic American style chisel is bordering on sacrilege. Unless you can grind the back, it will never be perfectly flat like the European styles anyway.

Hmm.

Wondering what is wrong with Barr?
Good tools. Cut many a joinery, and many a frame.
Love my slick, 2" and 1 1/2" chisels from him...

I've never cared for the Sorby line...

This isn't about personal preference. Barr chisels are very well made, without question, however they are made in a different style than the traditional American framing chisels. My argument is that if one wants a particular type of tool, then buy that type, don't injure an antique tool, which is no longer available. If Barr made a chisel in the style of an old Witherby, Globe, Pexto etc., then I would buy a couple.

I conferred with Barr once on an axe, he said he could make any type I wanted all he needed was a pattern to go by. I came close to making a wooden pattern but the cost dissuaded me. May be worth inquiring with him on a traditional tool if you can't fine what you want/need.

I like my Barr tools but I have re shaped them to what I like, it is a constant process. I don't like the tang type of handles I prefer a socket.

Tim

Ahhh. Mind reading by parsing posts is sometimes tricky business.