One of the indispensable hand tools in woodworking is mortise chisels. It is a specialized type of chisel designed for cutting mortises. A mortise is a cavity or hole cut into the wood to accept a tenon. While a tenon is a projection on the end of a piece of wood that will fit into the mortise to join two pieces of wood together.
There are many different types and brands of mortise chisels available on the market, so it can be tough to decide which ones are the best for your needs. But not to worry, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will review the 7 best mortise chisels around today. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right mortise chisels for your projects.
Best Mortise Chisels Reviews
1. Narex Mortise Chisel
Narex mortise chisels are top-quality tools that every woodworker should have in their toolbox. This Narex 5mm (0.1969 inches) mortise chisel is the perfect size for most tasks. With a high-quality blade made from traditional Cr-Mn steel construction heat-treated to 59 HRc, you will get a lifetime of use from this chisel.
The Narex 5mm mortise chisel precision-ground bevels and razor-sharp blade makes quick work on even the most stubborn mortise. Thanks to its ergonomic beech wood handle, you’ll experience a comfortable firm grip each time you hold the chisel. The handle is also strong enough to withstand heavy blows from a mallet. So if you’re looking for a quality mortise chisel that will last you for years to come, the Narex 5mm mortise chisel is worth checking out.
Benefits
- This mortise chisel is beautifully made and has a razor-sharp blade straight out of the box.
- It has a comfortable handle that can withstand mallet strikes.
- It is reasonably priced.
- This chisel can last you a lifetime.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
2. MKC Professional Mortise Chisel Set
If you’re a professional carpenter or someone who likes to do your carpentry work, you know the importance of having a good set of chisels. And if you’re looking for a high-quality set of mortise chisels, the MKC professional wood mortise chisel set is worth considering.
With blades made from durable chrome vanadium steel, this set comes with three different-sized chisels (¼”, ⅜”,½”), perfect for all sorts of woodworking projects. The blades are accurately craved with extra sharp edges to pierce all kinds of wood easily. You can use these chisels to cut mortises and carve rough surfaces on hardwoods like oak, elm, birch, softwoods like spruce, pine fir, and laminated wood.
The MKC professional wood mortise chisel set was made with safety and efficiency in mind. They are evenly balanced and feature high-quality European hornbeam wood ergonomic handles that make it easy to grip and control them. You can trust in the quality, strength, and toughness of the handle to last you for years. However, sometimes, the handles are misaligned right out of the box.
These chisels come with a handy carrying case so you can keep them organized and take them with you wherever you go. Plus, they’re priced just right, making them an affordable option for anyone looking to add some high-quality mortise chisels to their tool collection.
Benefits
- You’ll get ¼”, ⅜”, and ½” sized mortise chisels in this set.
- The mortise chisels feature accurately carved blades and a well-made ergonomic handle.
- They come in a carrying bag for easy organization and transportation.
- They work perfectly on hardwood, softwood, and laminate wood.
Drawbacks
- Some of the chisel handles are out of alignment.
3. Crown Tools ½” Mortise Chisel
Another top-quality mortise chisel is the Crown Tools 1764 / Big Horn 21010 ½” mortise chisel. Crown Tools handcrafted it from the finest materials to give the best performance. It features a durable high carbon steel razor-sharp blade hot forged from taper ground to handle even the most challenging jobs. The edges on the blade are dead flat, and the bevel tip is ground perfectly flat. However, you’ll need to polish the blade before you can use it.
The ½” blade is fitted with an ergonomic ash 6¼” hardwood handle that provides superior grip and comfort. It also features a steel hoop at the striking end to prevent rapid expansion, as well as a shock-absorbing leather washer between the handle and the blade. With its durable construction and precision-ground blade, the Crown Tools 1764 mortise chisel is sure to make your mortising tasks easier than ever.
Benefits
- This mortise chisel is well-made and simple to use.
- It can take on challenging mortise projects.
- The handle is 6¼” and very comfortable to use.
- It will last for a long time.
Drawbacks
- The chisel won’t work right out of the box. You’ll need to polish the blade.
4. Narex Czech Steel Mortise Chisel
Narex makes our list again with their 14mm mortise chisel. Made in the Czech Republic, this 5⅞” long chisel features a fine-grained, nicely tempered chrome-manganese steel blade hardened to Rc 59 to provide lifetime service. The blade has a 25° bevel to take on tough mortise projects. Its thickness tapers from ⅜” at the tip to ½” at the shoulder, and its widths taper 0.030” from tip to shoulder for sidewall clearance.
Furthermore, it has a 6⅛” long and 1½” diameter stained Beech wooden ergonomic handle that makes it easy to use. The handle has 2 steel ferrules to withstand heavy blows from a mallet. This chisel’s overall length is 12”. Also, for the price, you can’t beat it.
Benefits
- This mortise chisel is inexpensive and offers excellent value for money.
- It features a chrome-manganese steel blade that is guaranteed to last for many years to come.
- The chisel’s ergonomic grip guarantees that you don’t get fatigued when using it.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
5. Powermatic 1791096 Premium Mortise Chisel & Bits
The Powermatic 1791096 premium mortise chisel and bits (set of 4) is a great choice for woodworkers and carpenters who need a versatile set of mortise chisels. The set comes with ¼”, 5/16”, ⅜” and ½” size mortise chisels and bits to help you tackle a variety of tasks.
The chisels and bits are machined from solid bars of the finest carbon steel. Each chisel/bit in this set is 0.746 in diameter and has a ¾” shank size. The bits are exceptionally long (8″) to work with a variety of mortisers.
The Powermatic 1791096 Premium mortise chisels & bits set all have one cutting edge, one spur, and a brad point for superior performance. They come packaged in a paper box to avoid scratches during delivery and storage.
Benefits
- These chisels and bits are well worth the money.
- They are sturdy and made from the finest carbon steel.
- You’ll get ¼”, 5/16”, ⅜” and ½” size mortise chisel and bits.
- The bits are long to fit different mortises.
Drawbacks
- They are quite expensive.
6. Kirschen 1305010 10mm Mortise Chisel
There’s something about a good mortise chisel that makes you feel like a professional carpenter. Maybe it’s the weight in your hand or the smoothness of the cutting edge as it slices through hardwood. Whatever it is, there’s no denying the satisfaction you get from using a quality tool. And if you’re looking for one of the best chisels on the market, the Kirschen 1305010 10mm mortise chisel is not to be looked down upon!
This Kirschen 1305010 10mm mortise chisel is manufactured in Germany. It is a high-quality tool that is perfect for woodworkers, carpenters, and DIYers. This chisel blade is forged from the highest quality carbon steel and was hardened to 61° Rockwell to stay sharp longer than most other chisel blades. The blade is razor-sharp, with a precision-ground edge that makes working with hardwoods a breeze. Plus, the comfortable hornbeam handle provides a secure grip while you’re using it.
Benefits
- This mortise chisel has the highest quality carbon steel blade.
- Its ergonomic hornbeam handle makes it comfortable to use.
- It is well balanced, so you should get the desired result often.
- Its construction tells it will be durable.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
7. RANSHOU Japanese Mortise Chisel
Woodworkers, carpenters, and DIYers will appreciate the fine quality of the RANSHOU Japanese mortise chisel. This chisel is perfect for making precise mortises, tenons, and all kinds of woodworking projects. It features a ½” Japanese carbon steel (SK-85) blade that is extremely sharp and easy to sharpen. Each chisel is forged by a skilled Japanese blacksmith in Sanjo, Japan. So, you can rest assured that you’ll use it for a long time.
Furthermore, the RANSHOU Japanese chisel is fitted with a strong and durable red oak ergonomic handle for a comfortable firm grip when in use. The total length of the handle and blade is 8½”. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this chisel will be a useful addition to your toolbox.
Benefits
- This mortise chisel is made from the finest Japanese carbon steel (SK-85) blade.
- The blade is razor-sharp and is also easy to sharpen.
- Its red oak comfortable handle doesn’t give users fatigue.
Drawbacks
- None we could find.
How to Choose the Best Mortise Chisel
If you are in the market for a mortise chisel, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Not all mortise chisels are created equal, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right tool for the job.
In this buying guide, we will outline key factors that you need to keep in mind when making your purchase. By understanding these factors, you can be sure to select the best chisel for your needs!
The Mortise Chisel Size:
The first factor to consider is the size of the mortise chisel. There are a variety of sizes available on the market, and you need to make sure that you select a chisel that is appropriate for the size of the mortise you will be creating.
If you are unsure about what size to choose, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go with a larger mortise chisel.
Chisels Blade Material:
Another important factor to consider is the blade material that the mortise chisel is made from. The most common materials used in these tools are high carbon steel and stainless steel. High carbon steel is more durable than stainless steel, but it is also more susceptible to rusting.
If you are working in an area where there is a lot of moisture, you may want to consider choosing a chisel made from stainless steel. However, a variety of carbon, steel, and other metals alloys have been used to create mortise blades that can withstand heavy-duty mortise operations for years.
The Mortise Chisel Bevel:
The next factor to keep in mind is the bevel of the chisel. The bevel is the angle of the blade, and it determines how deep the chisel can cut into the wood.
A higher bevel will allow you to make deeper cuts, but it will also make it more difficult to control the tool. If you are new to using mortise chisels, it is best to choose a chisel with a lower bevel. This will give you more control over the tool and help you avoid making mistakes.
Chisels Handle:
The mortise chisel handle is one of the most important parts of the chisel. There are two common types of handles: pistol grip and straight grip.
Pistol grip handles provide more control and are ideal for smaller projects. Straight grip handles are better for larger projects and offer more leverage. With this explained, you should know the handle that will suit your project. The last thing you want is for the chisel to slip out of your hand while you are using it!
Additionally, the handle head should be able to take hits from a mallet without breaking.
Chisels Handle Material:
The most common materials used for handles are wood and metal. Wood handles are more comfortable to use but are more susceptible to damage. On the other hand, metal handles are more durable but uncomfortable for prolonged use.
The Mortise Chisel Brand:
Not all brands are created equal, so it is important to select a brand that you trust. By selecting a reputable brand, you can be sure that you are getting a quality product that will last for years!
Chisels Price:
The final factor to keep in mind is the price of the mortise chisel. These tools can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you do not overspend on your purchase. In doing so, you can be sure that you are getting a quality product without breaking the bank!
Final Thought
Mortise chisels are an important tool for any woodworker. With the right one, you can make quick and accurate mortises. The mortise chisels reviewed in this article are all great choices for the woodworker looking to purchase their first set, or add to an existing collection.
In conclusion, we hope our buying guide has helped you select the best mortise chisel for your needs. By keeping the factors we discussed in mind, you can be sure to choose the best chisel for your needs. Happy Shopping!
