I bought this set to have good chisels on hand when I need them. For some reason I figured the chisels would be short and short. You are not. The handles are about 5 inches long. Blade lengths vary from 4 1/2" to 5". The steel rod goes completely through the handle and is closed with a flat steel cap. When tapping the ends of the handles with a hammer (or the palm of your hand), do not tap the plastic. The energy is transferred directly to the chisel head via a steel shank. The thick handles are strong and very comfortable. The blades were (are) very sharp from the start. These chisels look and feel solid. I'm sure they will last for many years. The set comes in a clear hard plastic case that is likely to break the first time you drop it. It serves more as "window decoration" than to get out. I am very glad I bought this set of Stanley chisels.