Marukatsu 5 Piece Japanese Yasuki Shirogami White Steel Chisel Set

My first set of Japanese chisels and I am fully in love. I paid the extra 100$ vs a similar set because I wanted the Shirogami (Hitachi white paper Steel) It is touted by blacksmiths as being the very purest steel in existence and takes the finest edge. From what I have experienced these chisels are very friendly to sharpen and get immaculately sharp. I don’t even have quality sharpening supplies yet but I would imagine a quality wet stone and a leather strop and you will have some of the finest chisels you can get your hands on. Each one of these chisels will shave hair off your arm right out of the box. I recommend sanding the handles with 320 grit, removing the lacquer and finishing them with boiled linseed oil. If you are not familiar with Japanese chisels, you can strike them with a steel hammer offering much greater energy transfer. Because of this, you can remove large chunks of waste in a hurry, but then use the chisel simply by pushing and paring with your hand because they’re so darn sharp. The only thing I would advise is to rock the chisel side to side if it gets stuck, don’t go front to back prying or you could chip the edge. I could go on and on. It was hard to spend 300$ on 5 chisels, but the Japanese make some incredible edged tools and cutlery. The whole design of a Japanese socket and tang chisel is vastly superior IMO. Break the piggy bank for these. They are worth it.

Used the 1-1/2" on a scrap piece of cherry right out of the box. Felt like butter. Definitely worth the extra $100 to get better steel. Love the hollow backs.

Best tool ever. Shave hardwood Lima a razor

High quality. Very nice chisels. Built well.

Come very sharp ready to use.