Ashley isles paring chisels ?

[ColeyS1]

Do they make them ? Ive got the full set of bevel edged and butt chisels, some paring chisels would be handy though- at the moment ive only got an 1 1/4 boot sale find so I'm a little limited.

 

[carlb40]

If you are after new ones? Their catalogue isn't showing them.

http://www.ashleyiles.co.uk/ashley_iles_catalogue.html
So you may need to search out old ones if they made them

 

[Peter Sefton]

Its a real shame Ashley Iles dont make Paring chisels but Sorby do
http://peterseftontoolshop.com/epages/e ... els/Paring

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Supporting Peter Sefton above, the Robert Sorby paring chisels are superb for jobs like cleaning out dovetail housings. I've had a couple for donkey's years. They are thin, light, and the smaller sizes have a bit of flexibility in them (I gather they're made from a grade of spring steel) which really seems to help with cut control. Edge-taking and edge-holding are good (I grind mine at about 20 degrees, and hone at about 25 degrees, but never use them with a mallet.

For something needing a bit more 'beef', to allow heavy pushing by shoulder (a task that comes to mind is paring a wooden plane blade bed), then Henry Taylor make (or made) paring chisels with a heavier section, but with rather squarer edges than the Sorbys, so they don't get into a dovetail housing as easily. Vintage would be another good source, but expect to pay rather more than you would for a run-of-the-mill Ebay chisel.

 

[ColeyS1]

Thanks for your thoughts. I did look at the narex ones but the writing on the handles niggle me. Changing the handles to match the ai might also be possible. The only thing is, now ive used the ai's on a daily basis, I'd see it as no risk at all to get the same make paring chisel.
Do you think its just not cost effective for them to offer paring chisels ? I was in the Axminster shop today and have to say I wasnt overly impressed with the Henry Taylor ones :???:
The Robert sorby ones are looking the best option, for now

 

[xy mosian]

A long shot perhaps. Some years ago I spoke to a Mr. Isles, sorry I cannot remember his first name, at a woodworker show. He was very helpful, to the extent of a reduce value sale, and seemed genuinley interested in my carving tools. How about an email direct to their marketing office? They can only tell you that they do not make them.
xy

 

[morfa]

I've got one of the Narex paring chisels from Workshop Heaven as part of the passround. It's really nice. I recommend it. Well priced as well.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Ashley Iles are my favourite bench chisels for the price and are great for fine bench work. Narex bench chisels are great value for money and I have Narex Mortice chisels alongside my Ashley Iles bevel edge in all my student tool kits. But I am also not so keen on the original named handles and have been re-handling the Narex Mortice chisels with Boxwood for those who want great steel with an improved handle. The Narex Paring chisels are still a little new on the market and only offered in three sizes at present, if you re-handle them they will probably cost a similar price as the established Sorby who have a wider range.

Tony Iles was at my Tool shop Open Day last month and had his full range of Chisels on show but no Paring Chisels and no plans to make any as far as I am aware. But it is his brother Barry who is the chisel man (if you do wish to ask the question). If they do plan to make them I would love some for myself and would be happy to supply them once we have had time to test them in the workshop but I won’t hold my breath and will stay with my Sorby until then.

Cheers
Peter