Veritas PM-V11 bench chisel, 3/4". Precision made in Veritas' own machine shop, these chisels are milled from PM-V11 steel (Rc61-63), an innovative proprietary alloy.
Veritas PM-V11 bench chisel, 3/4".
Precision made in Veritas' own machine shop, these chisels are milled from PM-V11 steel (Rc61-63), an innovative proprietary alloy. This metal's micro-structure makes it extremely durable, so it can withstand the impact of heavy chopping cuts without chipping or deforming as readily as other tool steels, even at bevel angles as low as 20°. Highly wear resistant, the edge typically lasts at least twice as long in use as an A2 blade before it needs sharpening, yet it's as easy to sharpen as A2 steel using common abrasive media such as water stones.
The chisel blades taper from shoulder to tip for strength and rigidity, and have parallel sides and true bevel edges for clearance and minimal friction when working into an angled corner or a tight recess. To ensure that the face of each blade is both smooth and true, the chisels are lapped flat.
The blade and handle are connected with a tang and a socket-like stainless-steel ferrule that seats directly onto the shoulder of the blade. Flats on the handle prevent the chisel from rolling. Each chisel is superbly balanced, with the center of gravity close to the tang/socket connection.
The hard maple handle has been torrefied, a heating process that changes the structure of the wood at the cellular level, stabilizing it against swelling and shrinkage caused by humidity changes. Contoured to fit the hand nicely, the handle has a domed end that resists chipping from glancing mallet blows.
Blades range from 3 5/8" to 5 1/8" long. The 3/8" and smaller chisels have 30° primary bevels; the others are 25°. All blades are usably sharp, but a final honing before use is recommended.
Made in Canada.
Both makers produce very high quality chisels, so you cannot go wrong. Our own experience is that Veritas PM-V11 chisels are a touch better. The blade and neck are made in one piece, while Lie-Nielsen's are in two parts. PM-V11 also holds an edge for a long time and is easy to sharpen.
Also think about length. Long chisels give good control for paring and fitting, while short ones are handier in tight spaces and for work close to the body.
Veritas chisels are made to hold up to normal woodworking. The main thing is not to strike them with a hammer. Use a wooden or rubber mallet instead, which is gentler on both the handle and the blade.
The slight play some customers notice in the chisel is present on every example and is not a fault. If a Veritas chisel still breaks during normal use, get in touch and we will look into it, as it may be down to a flaw in the metal or the wood.
There are several good ways to sharpen chisels and plane irons: water stones, diamond stones, oil stones and sharpening machines such as Tormek. All give sharp edges, but they differ in speed, maintenance and price.
A honing guide makes it easier to keep the same angle every time. The most important thing is to find a method you enjoy and use often. The guide helps you choose.
Most products are restocked on an ongoing basis, but delivery times from the manufacturer vary. When an item is out of stock, the button Notify me when available appears on the product page.
Click the button and enter your email address, and we will email you as soon as the item is back in stock. If you are logged in, your email address is registered automatically. If you want to know when the next delivery is expected, you are welcome to contact us.
How often items are restocked depends on the supplier. We receive deliveries from Veritas about once a month, Lie-Nielsen ships in batches and we order from Incra about once a year. You can also add the item to a wishlist in your account, where you can see whether it is in stock.