I am a beginner at timber framing. I've just finished framing a 24'x36' barn. Before I started it, I owned a a Sorby 1-1/2" framing chisel that I had liked and used a lot. The barn was framed using 2" tenons so at a friend's recommendation, I bought a Quarton 2" framing chisel. I had never owned a tool as sweet as this before. It sharpens easily and holds its edge for a long time. After testing the framing chisel, I bought Barr's fatboy slick which performs just as well. I also own an antique square-cut slick and find the two profiles to be complimentary. The fatboy is better at cleaning up mortise walls, but to finish up the bottom, the square-cut works better. I think a slick is a necessity. Midway through the project, I was given a Quarton swan-neck, which, although not a necessity, makes cleaning up mortise bottoms a real pleasure. At this time, I'd have to say Barr's tools are the best I've ever used. jekbear