Who makes the best wood chisels these days? Not for carving but just your basic chisel. I have a set of Marples now but I might upgrade. I just don't like the steel on the Marples.

Maybe you could join a woodworkers forum. This is the advice I got from Traprjohn not specifically about woodworking but on another subject.

Trying to get rid of me?

No, I'm not trying to get rid of you.

Two Cherries Wood Chisels. Steel is perfect, and the finish is polished to a mirror like finish.

Marples aren't what they used to be. I keep an eye out for old stuff at flea markets and such. If you wanna buy new it's gonna cost ya.
Lie Nielsen chisels

This price doesn't seem that bad considering. You say they are good huh?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-Cherries-6pc-Bevel-Edged-Chisel-set-500-1562-VWWS/352631447854?hash=item521a78e12e:g:RdIAAOSwuUZanAfK

I have a few older wood handle chisels that stay very sharp for a long time. I use them for finer paring when I just need to make fine cuts for fitting pieces/joints.
Most of my bench chisels are cheap Stanleys.

What don't you like about the steel in the Marples? I have been considering getting a set of them as an up grade.
I used to enjoy spending time sharpening chisels and plane irons-not so much anymore.

They are good. Price sure did go up since I got the 4 piece set.

Marples are ok. Don't get me wrong. I have used them for years. I think the steel is a little soft and they don't hold the razor edge I like to have on a chisel. If I can upgrade at a decent price, I'll go for it and keep the Marples for roughing.

TEKTON. I have used them for years and have stayed sharp and have held up to many of hours of large carving projects. My larger ones I have never sharpened them. Just My 2¢

I’m not a pro wood worker but I have used Stanley’s for years, just have to keep sharpening them. I did get a Narex set for Christmas and like them so far. Haven’t used them enough yet to really form an opinion yet but they feel good and were super sharp out of the box.

If you have the older Marples then the two cherries will only be a bit of an upgrade. If you have the newer Irwin made marples it will be a big upgrade.

The newer Marples/Irwin aren't much better than Harbor Freight specials in steel quality. The Lie Nielson or the Lee Valley/Veritas are supposed to be real good. I've also heard good things about Ashley Illes chisels. If the Hirsch ones are as good as they're gouges, they are also real good. The NAREX is usually considered the best quality for a low price. Don't know anything about Two Cherries.

I would say start with Stanley Sweethearts if you want to start with good chisels. If you like scrounging you can find some on eBay and find older ones, but they hold their value. if you want to the best go japanese. You can find good ones on japan-tool.com. Its hard to navigate, but they mastered cutting steel a long time ago.

I've used Stanleys and two cherry for years. My two primary and favorite chisels are Japanese bought from Japan Woodworker. Not cheap but the best I ever found.

Pete

The old Stanley 750's are the best in my opinion. Hold and edge very well and are time test. The old ones aren't cheap though.

Finster, check this out

Should be interesting to see the results when he is done

Good Grief, this guy is into Chisels and data!