First go at a chisel

**mattm82** · 2nd October 2016, 11:31 PM

Hi all,

Just about done on my first chisel.

I had a piece of Damascus steel I had forged left over so thought I'd give it a go.

Blade is 1095/15n20 high carbon steel.

I turned up the handle and brass fittings. Handle is ringed gidgee.

Definitely a few things I'd like to do differently for the next, but all in all I'm very happy.

This is off to my old man as a belated Father's Day gift.

Feedback/critiques most welcome.

**shanesmith80** · 3rd October 2016, 08:22 AM

Very very nice!!

**DSEL74** · 3rd October 2016, 08:21 PM

As I said on FB, that's stunning

**andrew allan** · 3rd October 2016, 08:33 PM

Very beautiful. I wish someone was giving that to me.

a

**mattm82** · 3rd October 2016, 08:50 PM

Thanks lads, it's always good when you think you've hit the mark and get some agreement. I really enjoyed this build so thinking a bit more research on chisels and a set might be on the cards.

**derekcohen** · 3rd October 2016, 09:12 PM

Hi Matt

Very nice work. Can you say what type of chisel you were aiming at, that is, what type of work it is to do ... general bench pounding, dovetails, morticing .. ? Whether it is to be used as a paring chisel, or struck with a hammer or mallet? Can you take a photo of you holding it for use. This will provide more information to comment on design and ergonomics.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**mattm82** · 3rd October 2016, 09:19 PM

Hi Derek,

Questions I will try and answer. My old man is mad for scroll saw work so the idea was that he can just use it to clean up the occasional rough edge.
Not really expecting that it will get hit with a mallet but the butt cap was turned down to have a rod traveling down the centre hole and a good surface area on the timber so it can be.
It's ground at 30 degrees and figured the old man can either regrind or put a microbevel to suit him if it's not what he needs. I will be sending it off so will ask him to photograph it in use, as I don't really know how he will use it. I just went with what was comfortable in the hand.
I've realized how little I know about chisels and will need to do some research before making any sets.

Thank you for taking the time to give it so much thought, appreciate it.

**derekcohen** · 3rd October 2016, 09:40 PM

Hi Matt

Your dad is going to cherish the chisel you made. It is beautiful and your craftsmanship is outstanding.

The handle, while striking, does look to be more in line with one that would be used with a mallet (because of the hoop) than pushed. Overall, it resembles a chisel made by Harold & Saxon. That is a compliment. Trent Powie does fabulous work.

I look forward to your next piece.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**mattm82** · 3rd October 2016, 09:56 PM

Thank you for your comments Derek, greatly appreciated.

I ave a few plans already rattling around my head so hopefully something to show shortly.

**mattm82** · 5th October 2016, 09:57 AM

Mispost

**Bushmiller** · 9th October 2016, 08:30 PM

Mattm82

That is is superb for a first chisel: In fact it is superb for any number of chisels. You have a talent you should pursue. Be sure to let us know how the old bloke finds it . If it is not up to scratch, I'll let you have my address

.

Regards
Paul

**Simplicity** · 9th October 2016, 09:31 PM

Matt,
Fantastic work on your first one.
Bad news tho I promise it won't be your last tool made either.

Us Matts have a reputation for making tools
It must be our biblical name lol.

Cheers Matt

**mattm82** · 10th October 2016, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

Mattm82

That is is superb for a first chisel: In fact it is superb for any number of chisels. You have a talent you should pursue. Be sure to let us know how the old bloke finds it . If it is not up to scratch, I'll let you have my address

.

Regards
Paul

Thank you very much Paul, appreciate it. I'll let him know if he wants it gone [emoji6]

**mattm82** · 10th October 2016, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Matt,
Fantastic work on your first one.
Bad news tho I promise it won't be your last tool made either.

Us Matts have a reputation for making tools
It must be our biblical name lol.

Cheers Matt

Thanks very much Matt... it's definitely a good name!!

You're not wrong, I'm already working on plans for a few others. Had some great feedback and realized I had a blend of a few different chisels in this one. Working on developing some chisels more purpose built. I'll be sure to post my results.

I made my first hammer on the weekend too. Needs some refining but should be a good forging hammer. Tools are addictive and a nice break from knives!

Cheers

Matt

**Simplicity** · 10th October 2016, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by mattm82

Thanks very much Matt... it's definitely a good name!!

You're not wrong, I'm already working on plans for a few others. Had some great feedback and realized I had a blend of a few different chisels in this one. Working on developing some chisels more purpose built. I'll be sure to post my results.

I made my first hammer on the weekend too. Needs some refining but should be a good forging hammer. Tools are addictive and a nice break from knives!

Cheers

Matt

Matt,
Will we get a blow by blow description on how you made the hammer.
Which looks very cool by the way.

Cheers Matt

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