My Narex Richter bench chisels

[Sergio Escudero]

I’ve decided to buy a set of Narex Richter bench chisels, already fitted with handles. It’s a 4-piece set in widths of 6, 13, 19, and 25 mm—which, as you’ll notice, are actually imperial measurements in inches disguised as metric.

The chisels come in a sturdy cardboard box with dense foam inserts. It works perfectly for storage, though in the coming years I’ll make a more suitable wooden case—especially if I acquire the 2” (50 mm) version.


 

The iron arrive polished and oiled, and the ash handles are smoother (even more than I expected) and very comfortable. The backs required some work, though so far I’ve only lapped two: the 6 mm and the 25 mm. The 6 mm was quick due to its small size, but the 25 mm took considerable time—and I’m still not finished. There’s a small area about 25 mm from the edge that remains slightly uneven; beyond that, it’s flat, so I may just leave it as is. I had hoped for better flatness out of the box, but it’s easily corrected with a bit of work—nothing catastrophic.
 

I sharpened them on my Trend 1000-grit diamond stone and stroped them with a leather strop and green polishing compound. I briefly tested the 25 mm chisel. The primary bevel comes at approximately 24°, so I added a micro-bevel at 25°. It takes a good edge and performed well in quick tests on beech, red oak, and another piece whose species I can’t recall—either iroko or mongoy. It also shaves hair effortlessly. Only time will tell how long the edge lasts and how they feel in mid-term use, but I doubt I’ll be disappointed.


 

I was lucky enough to purchase them with a 35% discount from Fine-Tools.de: they offered a standard 25% off plus an additional 10% coupon sent via email, which stacked. I couldn’t resist. The total came to €113 plus shipping—an unbeatable price, especially considering the quality they appear to offer.

[Mark J]

They even look pretty. 

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

A lot of people say very good things about the Richter's. I haven't used them personally, but i use the cheaper Narex bench chisels and they do a good job. 

[Von]

On 1/10/2026 at 6:53 AM, Sergio Escudero said:

There’s a small area about 25 mm from the edge that remains slightly uneven; beyond that, it’s flat, so I may just leave it as is. I had hoped for better flatness out of the box, but it’s easily corrected with a bit of work—nothing catastrophic.

I'm far from a perfectionist with my chisels. Assuming we're talking about a recess rather than a protrusion, I wouldn't spend time on an imperfection unless it was so close to the cutting edge as to be a functional problem. That said, I agree that in an new chisel, it's disappointing it's not flat.

[Sergio Escudero]

On 1/10/2026 at 4:24 PM, Von said:

I'm far from a perfectionist with my chisels. Assuming we're talking about a recess rather than a protrusion, I wouldn't spend time on an imperfection unless it was so close to the cutting edge as to be a functional problem. That said, I agree that in an new chisel, it's disappointing it's not flat.

The 25mm one had a protrusion, but it was so small that I was able to remove it quickly and finish flattening it well; it just took time. It's amazing how the time needed to flatten it increases as the size of the chisel increases.

[Sergio Escudero]

On 1/10/2026 at 1:52 PM, Mark J said:

They even look pretty. 

Yeah, pretty much, although I would like them better if they didn't have the logos printed on them. In any case, I prefer the look of socketed chisels; the iron ferrule on tang chisels makes them a little ugly for my taste, but the profile on the iron is gorgeus.

[Von]

On 1/10/2026 at 12:37 PM, Sergio Escudero said:

The 25mm one had a protrusion, but it was so small that I was able to remove it quickly and finish flattening it well; it just took time. It's amazing how the time needed to flatten it increases as the size of the chisel increases.

Yep. I have a 1.5"/~37mm chisel that has protruding "belly" on the back. I've spent hours on it (usually with a beverage watching birds or something similar) with mild progress. I've accepted it's not going to be flat. It's rare that it matters.

[fcschoenthal]

I have quite a few chisels and love the 7 piece set I bought. In fact, I liked the brand so much I started buying a lot more of the Narex line. (picture below shows I'm fanatical)

On 1/10/2026 at 5:53 AM, Sergio Escudero said:

especially if I acquire the 2” (50 mm) version

I haven't found a 2" (50mm) version of the Richter line. Largest I've seen is the 1½".

[Sergio Escudero]

On 1/10/2026 at 9:32 PM, fcschoenthal said:

I have quite a few chisels and love the 7 piece set I bought. In fact, I liked the brand so much I started buying a lot more of the Narex line. (picture below shows I'm fanatical)

I haven't found a 2" (50mm) version of the Richter line. Largest I've seen is the 1½".

Damn, is that a 1 1/2“ Richter chisel and a 2” premium?

[fcschoenthal]

Yes, I had the premium line before the Richter came out. I used the Marples brand (from the 90's when they were still made in England) under the Richters before that. I've since ground them at a 17° bevel for softer woods. My "beater" chisels are in a drawer below.

[dwilliam]

Narex Richter chisels are solid and well-regarded, and the pre-fitted handles save a lot of hassle. That discount sounds like an amazing deal for four quality chisels. I like that you’re planning a proper wooden case, makes sense if you expand the set. Those imperial-disguised metric sizes are surprisingly handy for woodworking.