American Pattern Beveled Edge Chisel
In the Autumn of 1949, a pattern maker named Ashley Iles began making and selling tools in a small workshop in Sheffield, England. Today, the family run business is still making and selling finely crafted tools in a factory now located in Lincolnshire.
I had been shopping around for a quality set of bench chisels without wanting to break the bank and this set I purchased at Tools for Working Wood fit the bill to a tee. They have nicely shaped and very comfortable Bubinga handles with a brass ferule. The overall lengths are between 7 1/2″ – 9 1/4″.
The first thing is the name, American Pattern. This seems to be due to the handle being shaped much like a popular Stanley butt chisel that used to be available. Already owning a few paring chisels, I wanted a small chisel that had finely tapered edges and wouldn’t kill me when flattening and polishing the backs.
I did spend some time flattening the backs but they really weren’t that bad straight out of the box. About 5 minutes per chisel brought them up to a suitable polish and I was ready to go to work.
A good size for general purpose use in the wood shop.
Polishing the backs.
I bought a set of six and added two more ‘in between’ sizes to bring the collection to eight. A good choice for anyone that wants a well made, well balanced butt style chisel.
A set of six costs just under $150. That is an incredible price for a hand tool of this quality. I’ve been using them all week in a variety of different applications and hardwoods and so far they’ve lived up to all of my expectations.
Cheers!
9 Comments
I own a set of their round back dovetail chisels. I intended to use them only for dovetails and fine detail work to complement my blue handled Marples bought years ago. The Iles are so comfortable and fun to use they’ve all but replaced the Marples completely. The setup on the dovetail chisels varied chisel to chisel a bit, but none of them required hard labor or an excess of time. Now I’m thinking about phasing the Marples out in favor of the Iles MK2 bench chisels. However, your review might have me look harder at the American Pattern.
Are you still happy with your Veritas Detail Chisels? They look very “handy” and useful, but the cost scares me a bit.
Cheers,
Doug F.
Thanks for the comment Doug,
I still use my detail chisels almost daily- they’re perfect for the small stuff that only requires hand pressure. The Ashley Iles are for the heavier jobs and lots of mallet use.
Cheers!
Hi Tom,
I’ve also got a set of rounded back Dovetails chisels from Ashley Iles and love them to bits. American pattern or not they’re all great quality chisels and have added some MK2 bench chisels to my growing set, can’t fault them at all…or indeed figure out why they’re so low in price….but hey just keep quiet and enjoy the fact that these are amazing value from a great maker in England with real skill and knowledge.
Pleased that you’re getting a kick out of using them yourself now Tom.
Nice to see others like these.
Picked up one their MKII chisels to fill a hole in my collection of oddball edge tools – I’ll be getting more of these, I’m a big fan.
Just got one of their gouges, and was surprised to find it was paper cutting, end grain paring sharp right out of the bag.
I have had the same set for a few years and love them. The only problem is the 3/8″. The edge folds over even if I just show it to wood. I have had to sharpen it way more then the others and changed the bevel angle but the edge never lasts long, just on the one chisel though.
Kelly, thanks for the comments. Sounds like you got a dud! If I were you I’d send the 3/8″ chisel back to the manufacturer. It’s my experience that when a tool fails, the manufacturer is only too pleased to replace it. In most cases they appreciate knowing if one of their products missed ‘quality control’.
Cheers!
Steve,
thanks for the comments~; )
home town proud is it?
I agree about the price…these could easily run twice the amount they sell them for.
shhh!
J.
thanks for the comment. I hear they’re gouges and carving tools are top notch.
Enjoy.
I know that Asley Illes makes great carving chisels and have no doubt that their bench chisels are top quality as well. I know you have some LN chisels as well how does Asley Illes compare?
Hi Jim,
thanks for the comments. I own a full set of LN mortise chisels and they’re great. I don’t know if Ashley Iles makes mortise chisels or not? As far as the basic tool steel and finish go- they’re on the same playing field for sure.
I’m late to this discussion, but I have the same problem as Kelly. I did send one back and they happily replaced it, but I have the same issue with the replacement. I increased the bevel angle to ~30 degrees and I still have the problem. I’ve been reasonably happy with the rest of the set, but I use the 3/8″ a lot more than the rest. My old blue handled Marples hold up better. I thought maybe it was that I’m using these in oak and maple, but I don’t know. I keep thinking I should get just the 3/8″ Lie-Nielsen and see if it holds up better…..
Anyway, I’m glad I’m not all alone with my problem.