r/lists • Posted by David "Dave" Miller🏠 Home

Japanese vs. Western Chisels: A Detailed Comparison for Woodworkers

Alright fellow woodworkers, Dave here! Choosing between Japanese and Western chisels can be a real head-scratcher. Both have their unique strengths, from their specialized steel types to how they feel in your hand. I've put together a comparison of some popular options to help you figure out what might be best for your bench.

14 items0 reactions0 followersCreated 7/23/2026

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#	Title	Steel Type	Handle Material	Approx. Price (USD)	Origin
1	Iyoroi Bench Chisel (Oire Nomi)	Shirogami #1 White Steel	Oak	70	Japan
2	Tasai Oire Nomi Chisel (Suminagashi Blue Steel)	Tasai Special Blue Steel (Suminagashi)	Red Sandalwood	450	Japan
3	Kakuri Oire Nomi Chisel	White Paper Steel	Japanese Oak	50	Japan
4	Fujikawa "Nezumi" Oire Nomi Bench Chisel	Shirogami #2 White Paper Steel	Red Oak	115	Japan
5	Temple Tool Co. Oire Nomi Chisel	No. 2 White Paper Steel	Red Oak	45	Japan
6	Lie-Nielsen Bevel Edge Socket Chisel	A2 Tool Steel	Hard Maple	80	USA
7	Veritas PM-V11 Bench Chisel	PM-V11 Steel	Torrefied Hard Maple	105	Canada
8	Ashley Iles Mk2 Bevel Edged Chisel	O1 High Carbon Tool Steel	Bubinga	45	England (UK)
9	Narex Richter Bevel Edge Chisel	Chrome Vanadium (Cr-V) Steel	European Ash	40	Czech Republic
10	Two Cherries Bevel Edge Chisel	High Carbon Steel	Hornbeam	55	Germany
11	Stanley Sweetheart 750 Series Chisel	High Carbon-Chrome Steel	Hornbeam	20	United Kingdom
12	Robert Sorby Bevel Edge Chisel	High Carbon Steel	Boxwood	60	England (UK)
13	Henry Taylor (Crown) Bevel Edge Socket Chisel	High Speed Steel	Stained Beech	35	England (UK)
14	Irwin Marples M444 Blue Chip Chisel	High Carbon Steel	High-Impact Plastic	15	United Kingdom