For a $3 chisel you can't ask for more. It is not sharp out of the box and will not keep sharpening for long. Most chisels are not sharp instantly, you have to spend some time flattening the back and sharpening them. It is, and this chisel is no different. Take sandpaper, whetstones or diamond stones and you can turn them into a razor to shave off your beard. I am very happy with it and will be using it to make my own wooden shoulder plane. I assume it works very well.