Thread: Can you tell me about this chisel?

Originally Posted by Eldanos of KDM

Hi, Picked up this 25mm chisel and I don't know anything about what it's used for? Any info on what it could have been intended for, approximate age it was made and maybe even value would be great. It'll clean up nicely I reckon. Also I don"t know what type of handle to make for it.

Hi Dane. I don't know much about them, but I can tell you it's a socket chisel also known as a socket mortise chisel. They're "socket" because the handle is attched in a socket, not on a tang like most chisels. I believe the socket is stronger, but it has one other advantage - you can make a number of handles (different lengths or shapes) and quickly change to the one most suited for the job in hand.

This week I acquired a box of 23 old (and abused) chisels including three socket chisels: a 9/16" wide by Robert Sorby; a 7/8" wide by J.Howart (or Howard, I can't quite read it), and a 1" wide (maker unknown). The two narrower ones are laminated . I spent yesterday putting them through the critic acid bath. They're all pitted to some extent - boy have I got some work ahead of me.....

I think socket chisels are generally more valuable. There were some postings on Titan socket chisels a month or three ago, might be worth looking back.

Cheers, Vann.

Is that some sort of flash router next to the chisel?
Jim

Hi Dane
i have an identical socket mortise chisel in the shed waiting restoration ,mine is made by spear and jackson and yep they weigh a ton
greg

Originally Posted by Farm boy

Hi Dane
i have an identical socket mortise chisel in the shed waiting restoration ,mine is made by spear and jackson and yep they weigh a ton
greg

Oh cool, I've never seen any spear and Jackson stuff other than an old strange (but really cool) saw my Dad owns. I just realised I forgot to mention in my first post that mine's a WARD, stamped Cast Steel. I don't know if I'm going to restore this one. I've got a small pile of american Sockets-mortise and bevel, That I'm realy keen on for the moment

Actually come to think of it, Had I mentioned it was a Ward, it would have made it easier for a reader to be able to give me the info I'd asked for

I'm thinking something really heavy- Maybe for something to do with railways or other
heavy work.
Post up a pic when you're done with yours though!

Cheers Greg

Originally Posted by jimbur

Is that some sort of flash router next to the chisel?
Jim

Yeah Jim, takes perfect shavings off my social life and relationships
....

But it's worth it

Dane

That's a very well used Ward firmer chisel. It probably was at least double the length it is now.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Ah really? Cool, I was wondering how long it would have been back in the day! It is very well used Derek; flogged in fact bet it's had an interesting life eh? Cheers, Dane

Originally Posted by Eldanos of KDM

Yeah Jim, takes perfect shavings off my social life and relationships
....

But it's worth it

Dane