: How did your present set get rusty? Is it your front porch work
: shop, or something else? Unless you have that problem solved,
: spending a lot of money on chisels may not be productive.

: I have a set of 4 Freuds (1/4", 1/2", 3/4" 1")
: which have been fine for 25 years, and I have about 30 others of
: mixed brands, that I have picked up at the BORG, flea markets,
: garage sales (Stanley, Marples, Sorby, 3 Cherries, some without
: makers lables, some I've made myself.) I honestly do not notice
: a difference in edge holding capacity or rust resistance.) I
: think I have spent a lot more time flattening the backs of the
: Stanleys than the others, but that has been about the only
: difference.

: BTW: thanks for the tip on the Worksharp! I really like it. It is
: fast, doesn't overheat the tool, and yields a great edge!

Hello John,

I am not sure why suddenly they rusted when they have made it quite some time where they are, which is in a wood-drawer toolbox, felt-lined drawers, with a silica gell pack in the drawer. Not perfect, but they have lasted two or three years just fine. I very meticulously oil them before putting them away. When I went to work on the latest project they were badly rusted as if you had left them out in the rain all day. Humidity here is a killer, and I have to take extra precautions to keep stuff from rusting. What I suspect is that one tool which did have a little rust on it from the above mentioned outdoor work area (sudden rain storm) contaminated the whole lot. Sad, because I have eight or so from 1/4" up to 2". They have served me well, but they are by no means the best, and I always had it in my mind to get a new set one day. This just kind of gives me more of an excuse.

So far I am leaning heavily towards the Lie-Nielsen beveled socket chislels, and a set of Hirsch mortice chisels because for mortice chisels I really prefer a metal banded end, although I am still thinking about the Lie-Nielsens because the handles are easily replaced. I missed out on a great deal on a full set of Lie Nielsens that went on eBay for $200 less than list, but at the time I didn't have the money.

Yes, the Work Sharp is a great tool. I use the heck out of it. Glad to be of help. If you haven't yet, get the knife sharpening attachment. I am usually much against power sharpeners for knives, but I have to say this thing makes quick work and leaves a fine edge with the finest grit. I still go to the waterstones for final sharpening.