Thread: Re Berg Chisels

When I was an apprentice in the early 1950 these were the top chisels and they were very popular. I still have a few still left from those years long ago.

Hi Sarir
I can only say its because of the quality of the steel and chisel as a whole. I work on large hardwood projects and if really have to belt the crap out of it I will pick up my 1" Berg and the biggest mallet I can find. They keep their edge and can handle beyond belief sometimes, a huge pounding.

Hi Sarir and welcome.
Good steel essentially and they hold an edge. Now can you please go out and find some more as most of the ones you have on your site are sold.
Pac man

Originally Posted by sarir

Since I live in Canada and run a website for vintage tools I would like some information.
Let me start by saying that Berg is my No1 chisel maker.............................................. and very few appreciate Berg or vintage English chisels.
Thanks for any replies
Larry
grandpastreasureschest.com

Hi Larry and welcome.
E A Berg chisels have earned an enviable reputation down under because of their quality. The Swedish steel that is used in their construction is the source of this. As well, their attention to detail and quality control built the brand as one that could always be relied upon. It would be exceptionally rare to hear a bad word about them.
We have our own Titan branded chisels that are almost as much sought after as Berg. Again - not a bad word about them and ultra reliable.

But - here's the thing - there are so many other brands that are excellent as well, that are languishing because of fashion and, I think, sometimes ignorance.

The mystery to me - at least here in Australia - is the way that quality English chisels are so unappreciated. The marketplace has, for a long time now, constantly undervalued English chisels. And we have so many of them in this country because of our history and heritage.
Ward and Payne, Robert Sorby, I & H Sorby, Wm. Marples & Sons, Taylor, Hale, Hildick, Woodcock, Pearson, Ibbotson, Mathieson(not strictly English - but close) etc, etc, etc
All of these were fine, quality makers with outstanding products, and time and again on ebay and other sites, they fail to attract a bid.
If I was putting together a set of chisels these days, I would make these brands my target. An outstanding set of quality English chisels can be put together for next to nothing at the moment.
Strange isn't it!

Cheers
SG

Yes, they are certainly excellent chisels. Sadly, all of mine are going on the market as soon as I sharpen them up. So watch out for them on our forum Market Place. I won't be offering them anywhere else.
Sheddie - no longer in the shed - Shedless.

Since I was infected with the old tool mania a few years ago I have bought a largish number of chisels from many of the makers listed in this thread. I rarely pay more than $5 each for them (one exception, a totally mint, unused Titan - half inch I think - for $10). Without doubt the ones I reach for are the E A Bergs. Great steel andtake and hold an edge like nothing else I have.

One of my most used tools is a knife I cut down from what was a larger, but broken, Berg leather (?) knife. I make violins and a good knife is essential.

Tim