Review of Irwin Marples M444/S4 4-Piece Blue Chip Bevel Edge Woodworking Chisel Set

Are these the world's best chisels? In a word, "No." But at this price they may be the world's best chisel value -- at least six stars out of five.
I own chisels that cost two-and-a-half times as much for ONE TOOL as this set of four. And there are true advantages to the Blue Chips, such as:
1) The handles are indestructible. You can bash away at them with the biggest mallet you can muster, or even a steel hammer.
2) Handles are NOT round. These tools never roll off my bench directly onto my edge-chipping concrete floor like some chisels that shall remain nameless.
3) They should last, basically, forever (meaning beyond my lifetime), because they're hardened virtually all the way up to the shank
The edges can get shaving sharp, so watch it -- they cut meat, too! I sunk the 3/4" over an inch deep into my left hand (doh!). However, the edge doesn't last as long as some pricier brands. Also, the backs are far from perfectly flat, and take some time to properly refine on a stone. In fact, the extra-wide Blue Chips are almost impossible to flatten completely -- but then, this set doesn't include any chisels over an inch.
These are very small gripes. Buy this set and be happy for years, maybe forever. Even if you move along to better (i.e. several times as expensive) frogslashers as time goes by, you'll never regret owning these. You can always use them to clean off extra glue -- or "demote" them to the secret depths of your tote-around toolbox, and hang fancier ones over your bench to impress your buddies.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with these chisels.

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Product Description:
The Irwin Marples M444/S4 4-Piece Blue Chip Bevel Edge Woodworking Chisel Set includes 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch bevel edges, all of which are made from solid-forged high-carbon steel for maximum edge retention. They use a longer blade and handle to give you added leverage, and are ideal for hand or mallet work. Irwin backs these tools with a lifetime warranty.

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