description Ashley Iles Bevel Edge Chisel Set Overview
Ashley Iles has been forging chisels in Sheffield, England, since 1819. Their bevel edge chisels are made from O1 tool steel and hardened to Rockwell 61-62. The blades are ground to a 25° bevel and come with a thin, sharp edge. The handles are turned from boxwood (or beech) with a brass ferrule, giving a classic, warm feel.
This 6-piece set (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 1 inch) is prized by traditional joiners and restorers. They sharpen quickly and take a razor edge, but require more frequent honing than modern steels.
help Ashley Iles Bevel Edge Chisel Set FAQ
What steel do Ashley Iles bevel edge chisels use?
Ashley Iles bevel edge chisels are commonly sold with O1 carbon tool steel blades. O1 sharpens easily on waterstones or oilstones and is a practical choice for furniture makers who want a fine edge without exotic sharpening gear.
Are Ashley Iles bevel edge chisels good for dovetails?
Yes, the narrow bevels are one of the reasons woodworkers buy them for hand-cut dovetails. The thin side lands can reach into corners more cleanly than chunky construction chisels from brands aimed at site carpentry.
Do Ashley Iles chisels arrive ready to use?
They usually arrive close, but most hand-tool woodworkers still flatten the backs and hone the bevel before fine work. A common setup is to keep the factory bevel around 25 degrees and add a small secondary bevel for edge durability.
How do Ashley Iles compare with Lie-Nielsen or Veritas chisels?
Ashley Iles has a more traditional Sheffield hand-tool feel, often with wood handles and O1 steel. Lie-Nielsen and Veritas are North American premium competitors, while Ashley Iles appeals to buyers who want a lighter classic bevel-edge chisel.
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