Veritas PM-V11 Bench Chisel, 3/4 inch

Veritas PM-V11 Bench Chisel, 3/4 inch (D)

These chisels are among the first edge tools 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°. It is also highly wear-resistant, with an edge typically lasting at least twice as long in use as an A2 blade before it needs sharpening. Despite its toughness, it is as easy to sharpen as A2 steel using common abrasive media such as water stones.

The handle is hard maple that has been kiln-baked at a high temperature to eliminate nearly all moisture content and caramelize the natural sugars in the wood. This imparts a rich, dark color to the wood, while helping to seal it against humidity changes, making it resistant to swelling and shrinkage. The handle is contoured to fit the hand nicely, with shallow flats parallel to the blade back to provide tactile cues for finger placement. The end is domed to resist chipping from glancing mallet blows.