Narex Richter Bevel Edge Chisel 1/4" (6mm)

In the pictures, left to right: Veritas PMV-11 3/4", Lie Nielsen 1/2", Narex Richter 1/2", Stanley Bailey 1/2".I wanted a new set of chisels to replace my (not much liked) Stanley Baileys, and was undecided between the Narex Richter, the Lie Nielsen, and the Veritas PMV-11. I ordered one of each to try them out. I only did some slight paring with them (since I was going to return the ones I didn't like), and I did not sharpen them.Before you complain about not sharpening: all of these chisels are being used by master woodworkers, and can all be sharpened to perfection and will perform well. The differences in steel are minor. The purpose of my comparison was to get a feel for the handle, the overall shape of the chisel, and the overall look & feel.Let's get the Stanley Bailey out of the way first. This are a much lower class of chisel, and it is only in this comparison because the Baileys were my previous chisels. I've had these for 6 years and I've never really liked them. My main gripe is the handle - it is way, way to big for my medium hands, and it doesn't have a good shape (corners in all the wrong places, just not a well thought out handle). The original handle is also covered in a thick plastic paint which makes them very slippery and uncomfortable. I sanded that off, but the size and shape problems persist. They came so-so flat (required quite a bit of work on the back) and not sharp. Once you have flattened the back, you can get them sharp and they hold an edge quite well. The sides of the chisel are not very thin, so you can't get into corners with an overhang (e.g. if you want to do dovetails).Now about the other three, which is why you are here:- The difference in handle size is significant. The Narex is too big for my hands, and I find the handle too long. Out of the other two, the Veritas fits me slightly better but the LN is good as well. The LN is easier to control when holding it close to the front of the blade because the handle is lighter. The LN has a much shorter handle than the others, but since it's a socket chisel, the iron acts as an extension of the handle.- The handle on the Veritas has two flat spots to prevent rolling. It also gives you a feel of how the chisel is oriented when holding it by the handle. The other two have round handles. I prefer the flat spots.- The fit and finish on the handles is excellent on the Veritas and the LN, and very good on the Narex (very slightly less smooth than the other two - I would not have noticed if I didn't have the others next to it - definitely not a decider for me).- The grinding on the LN and the Veritas is superb and very fine. The Narex is polished so it's hard to say. Due to the polish, the Narex has very slightly rounded corners from the bottom. This will require some work if you want to cut with the corner of the chisel.- The steel on the Veritas and the LN is quite thick (about the same between the two). The Narex and the Stanley are significantly thinner (also about the same). I know from experience that you can feel some flex on the Stanley when chopping/levering, but it's not an issue most of the time. Definitely no problem at all when paring.- The edges of the Veritas are almost uncomfortably sharp. You can definitely cut yourself on them if you don't pay attention. The LN and the Narex have very thin edges but they won't cut you.- In my initial comparison, I did not sharpen them. However, the LN is A2, and the veritas is PMV-11. I have Veritas plane with a PMV-11 iron, and a LN with a A2 iron, and I find that I get a better edge with less work on the Veritas, so I assume that the same is true for chisels.- Since I bought the Veritas, I sharpened it later. The back was very flat (took maybe 2 minutes to hit it with the finest stone) and it took a fantastic edge very easily (as expected based on my experience with PMV-11).- If you must know, but I think that it is not a good comparison of chisels since you'll have to sharpen them anyway: the Veritas came absolutely razor sharp out of the box - I am not able to get it any sharper than that. The LN was acceptable but I could have improved it. The Richter wasn't that great - it did cut but not very well.My ranking: all in all I prefer Veritas, but the LN is coming pretty close especially given the lower price. The Richter did not do it for me due to the large handle. If it had a smaller handle, I would have considered it because of the much lower price.

I've been using Stanley and Irwin Marples bench chisels for 15+ years. Bought this based on Wood by Wright youtube reviews. Expected some improvement from my old chisels, but the Narex Richter was waaaay better than I thought. Didn't know what I was missing. Cuts walnut end grain in whisper thin shavings. Leaves a smooth, shiny surface on the cut end grains, with almost no tear out. Didn't know chisels could do that.Yes, it does require some work to start using, about 15 to 20 minutes total using diamond stones.Flattened the chisel back, it had a slightly hollow center. (About10 minutes). Sharpen and hone bevel to 30 degrees, (plus 2 degree secondary bevel) 1200 grit, then leather strop with green sharpening compound.It's light and nicely balanced for 1 1/2" chisel. I liked the "feel". Only downside so far is the sharp edges on the side of the chisel, may need a little sanding to keep from cutting fingers. Also, the sloping angle of the blade made it a bit challenging to secure the blade in a Veritas honing guide. Requires very tight compression to keep aligned.

Flattened the back - I always do that with my new chisels, sharpened the tip per usual with my Tormex. Could shave the fuzz on a peach. Love my chisels, take good care of them and they take good care of me. Using this one for veneers including marquetry and parquetry. Excellent chisel. Extra carbon well forth extra cost to me.

Bought a set of five and was really surprised by the quality.Minimal flattening and awesome edge retention.Only this 1 1/2" one needed more flattening but compared to other brands it was minimal.I am asian and have small hands so my set has the mortise chisel handles.The normal handles look more premium in the photo but the mortise chisel handles are better in person.