Cutting top-notch mortises that allow the tenon to fit snugly into them requires the highest degree of precision. And that means using just the right mortise chisel for the job. That’s precisely why a Narex Mortise Chisel review might just come in handy, containing the information you need to make the right choice.
As you may already know, woodcutters predominantly use mortise-and-tenon joints during construction.
If you work with wood, you certainly need no introduction to how crucial such joint work is in upholding the integrity of any structure you construct.
Just like building a robust body frame ends up becoming virtually useless if your joints are weak, a structure — no matter how aesthetically pleasing – becomes more or less ineffectual if its joints are fragile.
Though most woodworkers often view joint work as their least favorite aspect of construction, its fundamental importance creates the obligation to seek out the highest level of quality possible.
If you’re currently scouring the market for a top-class mortise chisel, your timing couldn’t be better. A Narex Mortise Chisel review may be all you need to catapult you in the right direction.
But before you choose which mortise chisel will do the best job, you should know a little bit more about the Narex itself.
Narex Mortise Chisel Review: A First Glance
A Narex Mortise Chisel is one of the best wood chisels ever and highly revered by all. Narex designed this useful and precise tool.
Since 1919, this Czechoslovakian company has been making state-of-the-art blades for the woodworking industry. They’re worth their salt by all standards.
They’re so impressive that Narex chisels won the Author’s Choice for Best Value in the western style bench chisel category for Fine Woodworking Magazine in August 2008. The criteria for this award included dovetailing, paring, chopping, durability tests, out of the box condition, tool ergonomics, and edge retention properties.
When it comes to cutting through edge grain material in any joinery whatsoever, the Narex Mortise Chisel remains a worthwhile option.
It doesn’t matter if you’re clearing out chunks of chips from deep mortise or diligently creating delicate box joints; a Narex Mortise Chisel can do the job.
Not only that, the Narex Mortise Chisel was built to last.
From the tip to bolster, the tool measures about 5.75 inches. For sidewall clearance, the blade tapers from the tip to shoulder and has relieved edges.
Obviously, like with every edge tool, the Narex Mortise Chisel does require a bit of honing before use.For such an inexpensive tool, this mortise chisel seems to offer excellent value.
Product specifications
A Narex Mortise Chisel is a powerful tool used for not only cutting mortises but also for chopping out joints. What qualities make the Narex Mortise Chisel a favorite among many users? We will take a look at some of the distinctive characteristics that the Narex has to offer.
- This chisel set is available in the following sizes: 4, 6, 10, and 12 millimeters
- Blade length of each chisel spans across 5.866 inches and is at a 25-degree angle
- Their overall length is 11.968 inches
- Handle size measures 6.102 inches by 1.811 inches
- Pulverized, nicely tempered chrome-manganese steel treated up to a relative hardness of 59 HRC (Rockwell C Hardness), makes up the blade
- The blade thickness tapers from 0.375 inches at the tip to 0.5 inches at the shoulder
- The sides of the tool taper, preventing them from getting stuck when cleaning out joinery
What have users of the Narex Mortise Chisel been saying?
Maybe you’re desperately in need of some high-quality mortise chisels to begin your next project. However, just before you rush out to buy anything, we think it’d be helpful to get opinions from those who’ve used the tools.
That way, you can relate with accurate opinions of those who know what they’re talking about.
For this Narex Mortise Chisel review, we gathered opinions from users on Amazon and eBay.
Amazon
On Amazon, the Narex Mortise Chisel review has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. Quite a lot of users had only good things to say about the chisel.
Most users were very impressed by how sharp the tool is. They beamed about how relatively easy and fast it was to cut mortises with it.
One user was pleased about the fact that the chisel felt light in his hands. He had expected the tool to be hefty like those he had used in the past.
Though the general review about the product was favorable, two significant complaints stood out. One customer complained about the packaging.
Another user also felt it’d be more helpful if the producers included something to store them in and keep them safe.
eBay
On eBay, the Narex Mortise Chisel review has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars. It was impossible to find a single negative review. Many users couldn’t help but rave about the product.
Two users particularly said the product offered excellent value for the money.
One user was so happy about how sturdy the chisel is and how its steel is just of the right quality that he recommended the tool to others. Another user also praised the tools’ quality and said they work really well.
Is the Narex Mortise Chisel the Be-All and End-All?
By now, it should be-be crystal clear how highly esteemed the Narex Mortise Chisel is among users.
The tool seems to be everyone’s favorite. And while it certainly can hold its own, it’s not the only mortise chisel out there.
Of course, a Narex Mortise Chisel review of this caliber would be incomplete without looking at the competition. Here are a couple of top brands giving the Narex Mortise Chisel a run for its money.
How we reviewed
For this Narex Mortise review, we strung together highly reliable pieces of information from a myriad of sources on the internet.
We took advantage of every Narex Mortise Chisel review we could find. The product’s official websites also provided some pertinent information concerning the tool.
We also came up with reviews (both positive and negative) by users of the chisel from independent sites including, Amazon and eBay.
Last but not least, our Narex Mortise Chisel review just had to include information regarding three rivals rubbing shoulders with one of the best.
Let’s have a look at these top three chisel brands.
Delihom 4pc Woodworking Chisel Set
The Delihom 4pc Woodworking Chisel Set is a professional woodworking set with walnut handles. The set includes 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch chisels.
The set has comfortable woodhandles that do not damage easily. Amazon customers enjoy the tools and have given it 3.8 out of 5 stars. Most of the customers say that it’s an excellent woodworking set that helped them with a number of wood projects. Others complained that the chisels are not high quality.
Stanley Bailey Chisel Set
- Chisels have an improved design with a micro ground blade tip
- European beech wood handles. Micro-Precision Grind
- Supplied in a high-quality leather roll bag
The Stanley Bailey Chisel Set is a top-tier chisel set manufactured in Sheffield, England by Stanley Tools. Customers enjoy the quality of the chisel.
This five piece mortise chisel set is ideal for the needs of the woodworker who demands absolute perfection. And it’s available in the following sizes; 6, 12, 19, 24, and 32 millimeters.
Like the Narex Mortise Chisel, the handle of this chisel set is stained beech with an upgraded brass ferrule rather than steel. The hardwood handles offer comfort and impact resistance.
These high-quality chisels will help the experienced woodworker achieve whatever he is capable of regardless of how challenging the task is.
This chisel has an improved blade finish with new grinding centers. The tools come with an out-of-the-box micro-precision grind. Hence, they are superbly sharp, and you can use them immediately without additional honing.
The blades are carbon chrome steel, so they retain their edge. The blades are also lacquered to prevent corrosion.
Unlike the Narex Mortise Chisel, the Stanley 16-401 Bailey chisel comes with a high-quality leather storage pouch for storage.
The dimensions of this 5-piece chisel set are 15.25 inches by 10.80 inches by 1.70 Inches with tip sizes of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25 inches.
On Amazon, the Stanley Bailey Chisel Set has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars.
Morrita Japanese Chisel Set
- Chisel Size: 9mm(3/8"),15mm(5/8"),21mm(7/8"),30mm(1-3/16")
- Important!!! Hollow-Ground Back reduces the contact area with the workpiece.
- Laminated Double-layered Steel:The soft steel body protects the thin layer of hard, high-carbon steel from fracturing...
The Morrita Japanese Chisel Set is a four-piece chisel set designed in Japan but made in China. The chisel set comes in a slotted, wooden box with a latch and is available in sizes: 9, 15, 21, and 30 millimeters.
The blade length of each chisel spans across 2.283 inches. Their overall length is 48.031 inches, while blade thickness measures 0.236 inches to 0.295 inches.
The dimensions of this 4-piece chisel set are 9.6 inches by 7 inches by 1.6 inches.
Bear in mind that these tools are handmade, so their exact size may vary slightly.
Each chisel has a soft outer body to protect its inner steel cores, as well as to absorb vibrations from a hammer. The conical, solid steel ferrule of the handle keeps it from breaking or loosening when struck.
The blade of the chisel is at a slight angle to the tang. This feature helps increase the working depth to almost twice the length of the blade. The neck of the blade seamlessly connects to the handle, allowing the chisel to rest comfortably in hand.
Though blades of this tool are much harder and more wear-resistant than their Western counterparts, they’re more susceptible to chipping. Plus, they don’t cope very well with levering, rough treatment, or use on knotty wood.
Nonetheless, when you treat these chisels carefully and sharpen them correctly with water stones, they display superior cutting performance and edge holding capacity on even the hardest woods.
All you have to do is to wipe off anti-rust oil before using them. If you do not use the tool for a long time, it’s advisable to clean it and grease the blade with anti-rust oil.
On Amazon, the Morrita Japanese Chisel Set has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5.0 stars.
Is the Narex Mortise Chisel the Most Suitable for Your Needs?
If you are a woodworker who makes mortises regularly, you need quality mortise chisels. Mortise chisels of the highest quality help you get through your work a lot faster and more enjoyably.
We have thoroughly explored the world of mortise chisels. For our Narex Mortise Chisel review, we looked at the various features of different mortise chisels you can utilize.
In the end, the onus lies on you to find one that makes sense for you, as the correct tool can make all the difference in the world.
Below are a few factors that we think you should consider before purchasing your new mortise chisel.
Depending on your specific project needs, you should consider size, handle, reputation, and how the chisel feels in your hands before settling on any one mortise chisel.
When it comes to mortise chisel brands that are reputable and offer reliability, the Narex Mortise Chisel is where you’re likely to find the best value overall.
You’ve read the review, and you’ve seen the different views. The ball now lies in your court.
Have you owned a Narex Mortise Chisel or any other mortise chisel for that matter? We cannot wait to hear all about your experience in the comment section.
Featured Image Source: Amazon
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 11:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
