Thread: Is it a genuine Woodcock Sheffield chisel?

behai,
It looks to be the real thing. Sheffield steel of that vintage is really good so you have a fine chisel there. The handle may or may not be original but no big deal as chisels often get re handled.


Sharpening a chisel - YouTube
Chisel Sharpening - YouTube
A couple of chisel sharpening videos to look at.
Regards
John

I doubt that there is much money to be gained from faking Woodcock chisels. Good steel, good chisels, enjoy.

I agree with John and Jim,
Woodcocks are wonderful and will serve you very well.
Here is my collection - mostly Woodcocks with a smattering of Marples and a Mathieson.
The circled chisel has its original Woodcock handle - the others have been re-done of course.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
SG

Woodcocks.jpg

Nice collection SG. There's something special about octagonal box handles.

Originally Posted by jimbur

Nice collection SG. There's something special about octagonal box handles.

Thanks Jim.
I have always liked the look of London pattern handles, and fitted them to these chisels.
Unfortunately, I haven't found them to be as comfortable to use - in the hand so to speak - as I thought they would be.
The original Woodcock chisel handle is much easier on the hand and more comfortable in use.
They do look good on a chisel rack - haha
Cheers
SG

SG, keep using them for 50 years or so and the edges will round over nicely.

Originally Posted by jimbur

SG, keep using them for 50 years or so and the edges will round over nicely.

Not sure I've got that long, but my sons will get them when I'm done.
Cheers
SG

Good evening John,

Thank you for the info and the video.

I have used it on the ends of some recycle decking board today, just to slice a little bit off, the edge still seems whole. While my Stanley FatFax from Bunnings, also at 25 degree, shows some tiny fractures near corners.

This is time first time I saw an vintage chisel in real life -- The shape looks really good too. I am happy with the handle, I will use it for parring so I think it is going to last for a very long time

Best regards,

...behai.

Originally Posted by orraloon

behai,
It looks to be the real thing. Sheffield steel of that vintage is really good so you have a fine chisel there. The handle may or may not be original but no big deal as chisels often get re handled.


Sharpening a chisel - YouTube
Chisel Sharpening - YouTube
A couple of chisel sharpening videos to look at.
Regards
John

Good evening Jim,

I paid $7.00 for this one from an elderly lady at the Dandenong, Victoria, Melbourne Trash & Treasure Sunday market.

Best regards,

...behai.

Originally Posted by jimbur

I doubt that there is much money to be gained from faking Woodcock chisels. Good steel, good chisels, enjoy.

Good evening Scribbly Gum,

I like the look of these chisels too. The only proper bevel edge chisel I have is a Lie-Nielsen 3mm one.

I do not know what a hex-handle feel like, but they look very strong.

Best regards,

...behai.

Originally Posted by Scribbly Gum

I agree with John and Jim,
Woodcocks are wonderful and will serve you very well.
Here is my collection - mostly Woodcocks with a smattering of Marples and a Mathieson.
The circled chisel has its original Woodcock handle - the others have been re-done of course.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
SG

Woodcocks.jpg

Originally Posted by behai

Good evening Scribbly Gum,

I like the look of these chisels too. The only proper bevel edge chisel I have is a Lie-Nielsen 3mm one.

I do not know what a hex-handle feel like, but they look very strong.

Best regards,

...behai.

Hello Behai,
the London Pattern handles are actually eight sided, and are really not a suitable design for my hand for paring chisels. I find them uncomfortable when hand paring and they seem more suited to striking. Strangely the design has no top hoop to prevent splitting.
Actually, of all of these chisels, the most comfortable of all is the last one - the Mathieson.
If I was to do these again, and I might yet one day, I would change them all to this pattern.
The only good thing - apart from their looks - about London pattern, is that they don't roll off the bench.
Cheers
SG

Hi Behai,
Glad to hear you are enjoying that old chisel. I think maybe we have another convert.
If you can scrub off rust and sharpen a chisel then there is a treasure trove waiting out there for you to grab at very reasonable cost. I would also argue they are as good as or better than anything made today. Space age steels and bling cant compare with something thar has been doing a great job for many generations and will continue for many more given a chance.
Over the years I have picked up rusty oldies and made then work. Some needed new handles so you may have to try your hand at that one day if you go down this path. They are my reach for workers and with the sence of history attached I have to admit it feels nice to work with them. I treated myself to a boxed set of nice shiney Two Cherries beveled edge chisels about 2 years ago and while they are very good steel and hold an edge well they tend to mostly live in the box.
I am not saying the oldies do a better job but I feel better using them.
If you look for English,Sweedish even Dutch German and American steel then chances are it is good. Titans made here in Oz are also very good. Anyhow some pics of my rescued chisels. The old Matheson is my stand out favourite and perhaps the oldest one I have.
Regards
John

the company started out as James Woodcock back in 1860, and a few company name and location changes and relationships in between then and 1957. there is a bit of a history in the book "the cutting edge" and possibly some online resources in the UK.

I understand that in 1939 the company changed its name to F. Woodcock and sons. The company most likely continued until around 1957. POssibly your chisel is prewar. Post war there was a 'tool drought' for quite a few years which generated a lot of local Australian manufacturing. Handle looks a bit shortened but still functional.

Cheers