1-1/2" Robert Sorby #285 Timber Framing Chisel

Very nice and sturdy chisel. I'm new to timber framing, but thought this would come with a 25 degree bevel. I always sharpen my chisels with a 25 initial bevel and go with a 30 deg for the edge. This has a 30 deg bevel, so I went with about a 33 for the edge. All I have are water stones, so I wasn't going to spend hours taking this to 25. The backside has a nice concave surface to guarantee a nice flat cutting edge. I would definitely recommend Robert Sorby chisels

Good quality steel with a ready to go cutting edge right out of the package. It sharpens up well and quite easily and holds its edge too. Very satisfied with this and a 2" chisel I recently purchased. I will say though, I use this 1 1/2" more often, it's much easier to maneuver. I think If I had to do it all over again, I would go with the 1 1/2" chisel and a 2" Slick. That's a good combination when timber framing!

good tool, good price and fast delivery

I bought this just before attending a week-long timber framing camp. I used it extensively all week. It arrived scary sharp and ready to be put to work. It was half the price of the Barr chisels others were using, but no less capable. My only complaint is that the edges of the upper side of the chisel are also razor sharp, when they don't need to be. I found this out the hard way on day one, by cutting my fingers on the edge. It took only a few minutes with some sandpaper to ease these edges. But I feel this should have been done by the manufacturer. So I dropped by rating to four stars. So far, it has held up to vigorous use, with no sign of mushrooming or splitting of the handle. And the edge is still razor sharp. I would advise getting a tip protector or sheath, as it will never go back into the plastic sleeve it arrives in. It's so sharp it cuts right through it.

Super sharp and well made

Beautiful tool, well made, not sure how I could repair timbers without it!

money well spent , Sorby n Barr maybe the best . Sorby hard too beat for the money , we also have Sorby " slicks " ..... properly taken care of these tools will outlast most marriages ! lol . definitely would buy again .

This tool was a gift, and very much loved for the overall quality and brand name. It had a very minor flaw, and it was exchanged very quickly with no hassle. It was definitely loved and appreciated!

Very good quality would definitely purchase again and value for money the size was spot on can't say much more .

Bought it for doing deep mortises, it's stable when it's deep in the cut and has very clean edges to work with. It came with a very usable cutting edge, you may want to hone the edge at the start but I found it useful right away 😀