IRWIN 10505173 M500 Bevel Edge All-Purpose Chisel with Striking Cap Set (4-Piece)

I've got a fair selection of wood chisels... Marples, Stanley, and posh Japanese ones. The ones I've used the most are 30 year old+ Marples, although I have a set of Lidl's own brand that I picked up for a fiver, that, IMHO, are excellent.Anyway, I read quite a few negative reviews on the M500s, and just don't understand why. Yes, they are supremely blunt out of the box. True, the metal is on the soft side and will not hold its edge forever. But then, that is true of the yellow/red handled ones I picked up in the 80s and 90s. On the plus side, the M500s are reasonably flat, and are very easy to get razor sharp using sandpaper and a leather strop.I was on the lookout for a cheap set that I could thump with my hammer when chopping out locks and hinges, when I came across these on sale in B&Q for £35. Well, I took a look on Amazon, and was blown away when I discovered the very same set for half the price.That's more or less the same price as the Screwfix/Toolstation own brand, and, whilst I cannot comment on the quality of those, I can say that the Irwin/Marples - once sharpened - are absolutely fine!Maybe Veritas is the way to go if you are in the business of building pianos, but for us mere mortals, who often work in unsecured environments, I'd much rather come back from tea to find I'm £20 down, rather than £200.

A well balanced set of chisels that every serious carpenter can use. Comes sharp but not sharp enough. Once you work at the edge you will not be disappointed. They seem to keep their sharpened edge as long as any other higher quality chisel. Very pleased with this set of chisels.

As a keen diy’er, these chisels are more than adequate. I already have a set but at the time of purchasing they were on offer and it was cheaper to buy these than have them resharpened at £4.50 per chisel. Yes they might not be razor sharp out the box but good enough for me.

Get what you pay for? These are not expensive. Hard to find high quality tools. These chiselled out the green oak that I bought them for. Not sure how long they will stay sharp but well made handles.

Nice range of sharp chisels, bout to cut in locks and did a sterling job. Would recommend for anyone wanting to do basic DIY carpentry.