Narex 8116 Cabinetmakers Chisels (natural) Reviews

4.8 Rating 5 Reviews

The 8116 series of Narex chisels are accurately ground, affordable, Cabinetmaker’s chisels with fine edges and close tolerance backs. We have found them to be the best value chisels accurate work but that doesn't mean that Narex chisels are cheap, it means you get a lot more chisel for your money.
Narex forge the chisel blades from Chrome Manganese (CrMn) spring steel and isothermally harden it to produce a very even and consistent bainitic structure at RC59 +/-1. In use, Chrome Manganese steel delivers similar performance to carbon steel but is more efficient to produce.
The sides of the chisel are around 1mm with negligible lengthwise taper, giving excellent sightlines and good clearance for dovetailing throughout the life of the blade.
The handles were developed from a shape that Narex last used on a range of chisels that they made in the 1930's. They are turned from dense European hornbeam and fitted with a split-proof, self-tightening, plated steel ferrule and we have the slightly smaller handles for the 26mm and narrower chisels fitted just for us to refine their balance and feel - it is a subtle difference, but it's enough to make them feel 'right' in the hand.
They will withstand taps from a mallet without the surface becoming marred and uncomfortable to use when paring. The hornbeam handles are lightly waxed to protect the timber whilst retaining its and natural colour and feel.
Approximate Measurements:
Size
Overall Length
Handle length
Useable Blade Length
SKU
3mm (⅛")
255mm (10")
110mm (4⅜")
95mm (3¾")
811603W
6mm (¼")
250mm (9¾")
110mm (4¼")
95mm ((3¾")
811606W
8mm (5/16")
250mm (9¾")
110mm (4¼")
98mm (3⅞")
811608W
10mm (⅜")
255mm (10")
110mm (4¼")
98mm (3⅞")
811610W
12mm (½")
258mm (10⅛")
110mm (4¼")
100mm (4")
811612W
14mm (⅝")
258mm (10⅛")
110mm (4¼")
100mm (4")
811614W
16mm (⅝")
262mm (10¼")
110mm (4¼")
100mm (4")
811616W
18mm (¾")
263mm (10¼")
110mm (4¼")
100mm (4")
811618W
20mm (¾")
265mm (10⅜")
110mm (4¼")
100mm (4")
811620W
26mm (1")
273mm (10¾")
113mm (4½")
103mm (4⅛")
811626W
30mm (1⅛")
285mm (11⅛")
115mm (4½")
106mm (4¼")
811630W
40mm (1½")
295mm (11⅝")
117mm (4⅝")
112mm (4⅜")
811640W
50mm (2")
305mm (12")
117mm (4⅝")
120mm (4¾")
811650W

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“bought the 12mm and 18mm chisels. Chisel takes a good edge, it is light and feels good in the hand. The wax finish was not to my liking, so they have had a couple of coats of BLO. Been using these for three or four weeks, so far delighted with them, plan to get more.”

Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I'm new to woodworking and so I wanted something not cheap as chips, but certainly at the lower end of the spectrum. These chisels are great, I ended up getting several individual sizes to get me going. I find they sharpen really quickly, however they do also seem to lose an edge quickly too. I had hoped they'd keep their edge longer than they do, but for the money I think it's a good deal - that's why I'd still give it a solid 4 stars. And thing I like about these particular chisels is the handles - great in the hand and super comfortable.”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“Bought several of these chisels ??? they are the first chisels I've ever owned ??? and they're really nice in the hand, and a good weight. They sharpen nicely and seem to hold an edge, at least thus far. I definitely plan to buy more, as I think for the money, they are top notch.”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“Excellent for the money - nicely made and hold a very good edge. Recommended!”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“I wanted a small set of chisels that I could keep in the van away from the monkeys for when I needed a sharp chisel on site. They flattened quite easily and I have to say I think they're great, as good as my Ashley Isles that I keep in the workshop and the handle is more comfortable Great value too.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago