Review on 🪵 Stanley 16 791 Sweetheart Socket Chisel: Premium Quality Chisel for Ultimate Woodworking Precision by David Roberts

These chisels have really won me over. I have read the reviews carefully and found that the people who actually buy, own and use these bits say very positive things. At first I was torn between buying Veritas PM-V11 bits and these. When I bought these bits, the Veritas set didn't come in as many sizes as Stanley's, so I settled on these Stanley Sweet Hearts. You'll find that the Veritas kit is significantly more expensive, but price wasn't really the deciding factor. I was interested in basic overall performance, and I was also a bit curious as to how these Stanleys would perform. I've had these bits for almost two years now and they're great. Sharpening is very easy. I didn't go for the Lie-Nielsen version because I didn't want to use the A2 in it. Sharpening the A2 can be tedious at times. The steel in them has a very sharp cutting edge and I get the edge retention I need for use on the native hardwoods I work with. Razor sharpness is very important to me. Edge retention is more than a little longer. You can look at many other reviews and read many comments about the sealant that needs to be removed from the blades (yes it's a pain). That the overall quality doesn't meet Lee-Nielsen standards and the beveled edges are too thick to clip dovetails. But the most important thing is that "Oh my God!" the grips of all chisels get loose (yes, they should), especially when the humidity changes. Ironically, the handles on my Stanley Sweet Heart chisels fit very well, and I haven't even resorted to hairspray or shavings tricks to hold them in place. Basically, they left them completely stock. There was no reason to touch her. I take these chisels by their sockets, not their handles. I also usually hit the bench with the grip to set it. Compulsive habit through the use of antique pointed chisels. I also don't hang chisels by the handle. Simply peel or store in a tool box or roll such as B. the excellent leather case included in this set. So what do I like about chisels? Well, I didn't buy them because of the price, but they really were a bargain. I've planned on turning some longer knobs (like the optional Lee-Nielsen knobs) but haven't felt the need just yet. I appreciate the sturdy hornbeam handles that come with these chisels. I have already said that I am satisfied with the work of the metal. The overall design is a classic Stanley 750 that has always been there. They are lightweight and easy to use. This Stanley 750 bit model is a great design, which is why Lie-Nielsen used it to design all of his socket bits. On the other hand, the chisels were surprisingly delicate for my hands. I'm 6'4", but I don't consider myself a giant. These chisels aren't too small for me, but I was a little surprised by their overall size. Thickness of the beveled edges of the blade. They're too thick, but can also be used for most dovetails will be used. I would say if you plan on cutting many hundreds of dovetails, Lee Nielsen blades offer much better bevels and harder steel. I don't think this will be a problem for the average handyman. Some people note that there are no sizes on the chisels I can tell the size pretty well just by looking at the chisel but you could probably write the size on the blade with a Sharpie marker or if you wanted something nicer maybe use a metal punch in the handle there are other inexpensive solutions to missing dimensions on a bit, true, most tools of this type wear out anyway, plus it's a big one nice set that I am testing and will use for a very long time. Who knows, maybe for a lifetime. Whatever the case, I don't think there's any reason these bits can't outlive me and be used for decades to come even when I'm done with them.