Chisels are one of the most essential tools for any woodworker. A good set of chisels can make all the difference when it comes to your projects turning out just right. But with so many chisel brands and options on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones to choose.

That’s why in this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying WoodRiver chisels – one of the most popular and well-respected chisel brands for discerning woodworkers.

What is a WoodRiver Chisel?

WoodRiver chisels are a high-quality line of bench chisels made by WoodRiver, a woodworking tools company owned by Woodcraft. WoodRiver chisels are manufactured overseas, primarily in Japan and China using premium steel, but they are designed by WoodRiver specifically for woodworking.

The key features of WoodRiver chisels include:

• Made from premium A2 or V10 tool steel for strength and edge retention
• Heat treated to Rockwell hardness of HRC 60-62 for durability
• Bevel edge bench chisels with tang socket construction
• Polished and honed to a sharp edge out of the box
• Offered in a range of sizes from 1/4 inch to 2 inches
• Ergonomic oak handles for comfort and control

So in short, WoodRiver chisels are crafted to be durable, sharp, and comfortable chisels suitable for all types of woodworking at an affordable price point.

How to Use a WoodRiver Chisel

Using a WoodRiver chisel correctly is important to get the most out of your tools and avoid damage. Here are some tips:

• Grip the handle near the blade for maximum control and leverage when paring or chopping.
• Use the bevel to guide the cut. Keep the bevel rubbing against the surface of the wood as you push the chisel forward to ensure a straight cut.
• For paring cuts, use the chisel at a shallow angle with light mallet taps. For deeper chopping cuts, use a higher angle and heavier mallet taps.
• Keep your hands and body out of the path of the chisel to avoid injury if it slips.
• Use a cutting board or sacrificial wood piece underneath to avoid cutting into your workbench.
• Hone frequently – a sharp chisel cuts better and requires less force.
• Clean wood chips off the blades to maintain a sharp edge and prevent nicks.

With practice and these tips, WoodRiver chisels can handle many woodworking cutting and paring tasks with ease and precision.

What Materials Are WoodRiver Chisels Made From?

The materials used to construct a chisel greatly affect its performance and durability. WoodRiver chisels are crafted from premium metals:

• A2 tool steel – Some WoodRiver chisels are made from A2 steel, an air-hardened tool steel valued for its hardness, strength, and edge retention. It has additional alloying elements like chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium.
• V10 tool steel – Top of the line WoodRiver chisels are crafted from V10 steel, a high carbon chromium vanadium alloy steel with more chromium for hardness, vanadium for wear resistance, and molybdenum for toughness. V10 is comparable to Japanese white steel #1.
• Chrome vanadium – Entry-level WoodRiver chisels use chrome vanadium steel, which offers a balance of edge holding and toughness.

In addition to premium steel, WoodRiver chisels feature solid oak handles for a comfortable grip. The combination of strong steel with shock-absorbing oak makes these chisels durable for heavy woodworking use.

How WoodRiver Chisels Compare to Other Brands

WoodRiver chisels offer an excellent balance of quality and value. Here’s how they compare to other major chisel brands:

• Narex – Similar price range to WoodRiver but don’t hold an edge as long. Good for light to medium woodworking.
• Irwin Marples – More affordable than WoodRiver but lower quality steel, edge retention and comfort.
• Stanley – Among the most budget-friendly options but won’t stay sharp long.
• Lie-Nielsen – Considered among the finest chisels available but 2-3x the price of WoodRiver.
• Japanese brands like Iyoroi and Suien – Hand-forged for incredible sharpness but very expensive.

While not as cheap as basic options from Stanley or Irwin, WoodRiver chisels offer much better value than premium brands, with professional-grade performance at just a fraction of the cost. They strike an ideal balance for most woodworkers.

Where to Buy WoodRiver Chisels

WoodRiver chisels are sold exclusively through Woodcraft stores and online. As WoodRiver is Woodcraft’s store brand, you won’t find these chisels at big box home centers or other retailers.

The best places to buy WoodRiver chisels are:

• Direct from the Woodcraft website – Offers the full range of WoodRiver chisels for order online and shipped to your address.
• Local Woodcraft retail stores – Visit a physical Woodcraft location to see and test chisels in person before buying. Use their expertise.
• Woodcraft catalogs – Browse the latest WoodRiver chisels in Woodcraft’s bi-annual tool catalogs sent to members.
• Secondary markets – Search eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to find used WoodRiver chisels at discounted prices.

For the biggest selection including full sets and the latest models, I recommend buying directly from Woodcraft. But if you can find a good deal testing them out in person, secondary markets are worth a look too.

Available Sizes of WoodRiver Chisels

WoodRiver offers bench chisels in a wide range of sizes to handle any woodworking task:

• 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch – For general purpose cuts and paring work.
• 1 1/4, 1 1/2, and 2 inches – Larger sizes for chopping, mortises and deep cuts.
• 1/8 inch – Thin blade for fine detailed paring.
• Bevel edge chisels from 1/4 to 2 inches – Sharp beveled sides make precise angled paring cuts easy.
• Mortise chisels from 1/4 to 1 inch – Thicker blade ideal for chopping mortise joints.
• Skew chisels from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches – The skewed blade assists in cleaning out angled waste.

With this range, you’re sure to find the right WoodRiver chisels for everything from intricate trim work to substantial timber framing joints.

Reviews of WoodRiver Chisels

With their balance of quality and value, WoodRiver chisels consistently earn excellent reviews from woodworkers:

• Nearly 5 star average rating across major woodworking sites
• Praised for holding an incredibly sharp edge for a long time
• Woodworkers report the steel feeling very hard yet resilient
• Handles receive compliments for their comfortable shape and size
• Very flat and accurately machined backs praised for easy sharpening
• Bevel edges in particular noted for allowing precise paring control
• Favorably compared to far more expensive premium brands by many

While there are some reports of minor quality control issues, the vast majority of woodworkers agree WoodRiver chisels perform far above their modest price point. For the money, they are hard to beat.

How to Sharpen WoodRiver Chisels

To maintain maximum cutting performance, WoodRiver chisels should be sharpened regularly. Here is a step-by-step sharpening process:

• Start with a coarse grit (400-600) whetstone to grind away any major nicks or flaws.
• Progress to a medium (800-1200) and fine (3000+) whetstone to refine and polish the edge.
• Use a honing guide to hold the chisel steady at the ideal bevel angle of 25-30 degrees.
• Apply light, consistent pressure while sharpening to avoid overheating the edge.
• Use a diamond stone to flatten the chisel back for a perfectly polished bevel.
• Finish by stropping on leather with polishing compound to make the edge razor sharp.
• Repeat this process as needed whenever the chisel loses its sharp bite.

With the hard premium steel used in WoodRiver chisels, sharpening only takes a few minutes and the edge will last for a long time. Proper sharpening is key to maximizing their performance.

The Best WoodRiver Chisel for Beginners

For those just starting out in woodworking, I recommend the WoodRiver Bevel Edge Bench Chisels as the best to learn with. A few reasons why:

• The 1/2 inch size is versatile for small to medium tasks.
• Bevel edges make paring and precise cuts much easier as a beginner.
• Comfortable oak handles provide a secure grip.
• Durable A2 steel holds an edge well even with mistakes.
• Affordable price around $25 makes it a smart investment for a first chisel.

While narrower mortise chisels or wide bevel-edge chisels have specialty uses, a standard 1/2 inch bevel-edge bench chisel will be useful for almost any beginning woodworking project. It’s a great first chisel before expanding your set.

Maintaining WoodRiver Chisels

Proper maintenance is crucial to keeping WoodRiver chisels performing at their best. Here are some tips:

• Wipe chisel blades clean after each use to prevent wood resin buildup.
• Protect the edges with blade guards when storing to prevent nicks or dulling.
• Occasionally apply a rust inhibitor, like camellia oil, to prevent oxidation.
• Avoid excessive moisture that could cause the oak handles to crack or warp.
• Inspect handles for any looseness and re-secure with epoxy as needed.
• hone and sharpen regularly to keep the cutting edge like new.
• Avoid hammering with metal hammers directly on the blade. Use a softer mallet.

With proper care, your WoodRiver chisels can last decades as your go-to woodworking companions. Taking the time to maintain them well is worth the effort.

Using WoodRiver Chisels for Fine Woodworking

With their durable steel alloy blades, comfortable handles, and ability to get very sharp, WoodRiver chisels are excellent choices for fine furniture building and detailed woodworking.

The key advantages of using WoodRiver chisels for finer tasks include:

• Holds a keen edge needed for smooth paring without tearout.
• Bevel-edge blades provide superior control for precision trimming.
• Narrower sizes allow tighter crisp corners.
• Sturdy construction enables fine mallet control.
• Polished chrome vanadium steel gives a mirror-like surface on fine finishes.

While expensive Japanese chisels offer the ultimate in finesse for top experts, WoodRiver chisels provide fantastic performance for detailed woodworking at a fraction of the cost. Don’t let the reasonable price fool you – these can handle the needs of fine furniture work with ease.

What is the Cost of WoodRiver Chisels?

Considering their quality, WoodRiver chisels provide excellent value for money. Here are some typical prices:

• Basic bevel-edge bench chisels – $20 – $35 each depending on size.
• Mortise chisels and specialty chisels – $35 – $55 each.
• Chisel sets – Range from $95 for a 3 pc set to $320 for an 11 pc set.
• Exotic handles (Ebony, Rosewood) – Add $15-20 per chisel to upgrade.

While premium Japanese chisels can run $100+ apiece and brands like Lie-Nielsen are $75-$125 each, WoodRiver manages to offer robust premium construction at just a fraction of the price. For most woodworkers, they strike an ideal balance before diminishing returns on investment.

Discounts on WoodRiver Chisels

While WoodRiver chisels are already reasonably priced, you can sometimes find them on sale:

• Check for sales or coupons at Woodcraft – they run regular promotions.
• Sign up for the Woodcraft email list to get notices of flash sales.
• Buy factory second quality – small cosmetic defects but functional.
• Watch for periodic woodworking shows where vendors discount older inventory.
• Buy used chisels online or at flea markets and recondition them.

With a little searching, you can likely track down WoodRiver chisels for 10-20% off retail prices. Combine with free shipping offers from Woodcraft for the best deal. Sales around the holidays are common too.

Can You Use WoodRiver Chisels on Hardwoods?

The premium steel used in WoodRiver chisels makes them well-suited for use on even the hardest hardwood species:

• Heat-treated alloy steel maintains a sharp edge even on dense exotic woods.
• Strength of the blade stands up to heavy chopping and mallets.
• Beveled edges allow you to pare end grain cleanly.
• Chisels get sharp enough to slice through knotty hardwoods smoothly.

So no need to worry about working greenheart, African mahogany, ebony or other ultra-dense species – a sharp WoodRiver chisel will cut them with ease. The steel is designed not to chip out or lose its edge excessively. Just remember to sharpen frequently, and these chisels can handle any hardwood challenge.

WoodRiver Chisel Return Policy

One of the benefits of buying directly from Woodcraft is their excellent return policy:

• Full refunds offered within 30 days if chisels are in new condition.
• After 30 days, you can exchange for credit up to 90 days from purchase.
• For factory second chisels, returns/exchanges allowed within 90 days.
• Always save your receipt as proof of purchase.
• Return shipping costs are covered if due to a defect.

This means you can buy with confidence – if any WoodRiver chisel fails to meet expectations out of the box or has a manufacturing defect, returns are quick and easy directly through Woodcraft.

How to Store WoodRiver Chisels Safely

Proper storage is important to keep WoodRiver chisels performing their best:

• Store chisels in a dry location to prevent moisture damage.
• Use the included plastic blade guards or a wood chisel roll to protect the edges.
• Avoid laying chisels loosely in a drawer where they can knock against each other and become nicked.
• Hang chisels on a wall or peg rack out of reach of children.
• For long-term storage, wipe chisels down with light oil and wrap handles to control humidity.

Storing woodworking chisels safely is simply a matter of keeping them dry, avoiding impacts, and covering the sharp edges. This will prevent damage and keep your WoodRiver chisels ready for many years of enjoyable woodworking.

Buying WoodRiver Chisels in Sets

WoodRiver offers their chisels in individual sizes as well as convenient boxed sets. Here are some of the most popular ready-made sets:

• Bevel-Edge Bench Chisel Set – 4 pc, 6 pc, or 8 pc sets covering all the essential sizes.
• Master Chisel Set – 11 pc set with bevel, mortise, and skew chisels.
• Mortising Chisel Sets – 3 pc or 4 pc sets just for timber framing and mortises.
• Small Chisel Set – 4 narrower chisels for detailed paring.

The set offerings provide an excellent starter collection or supplement to expand your existing chisels affordably. The sets allow you to skip evaluating each size and simply get a pre-configured selection of the most useful chisels at a package discount.

History of the WoodRiver Brand

WoodRiver chisels have their roots in the Woodcraft company started in 1928 in Boston by Paul Duncombe. As a store focused on supplying woodworkers, Woodcraft eventually saw the need for quality tools aimed at their customer base.

In the 1970s, Woodcraft began releasing tools under the WoodRiver brand to provide alternatives to low-end budget tool brands. Focusing on good value for woodworkers, the WoodRiver line grew over the decades to include all types of woodworking hand tools.

Today, the WoodRiver brand offers over 350 products designed in America and manufactured overseas to deliver premium quality at reasonable prices. Their chisels exemplify this mission and have earned a reputation among discerning woodworkers for their combination of performance, value, and thoughtful design.

Cleaning WoodRiver Chisels

Regular cleaning helps keep WoodRiver chisels performing smoothly:

• Remove wood residue by wiping chisel faces clean after each use.
• Every few uses, clean thoroughly with soap and water (avoid immersing wood handles).
• For blades that require heavy cleaning, use a citrus degreaser or acetone.
• For sanitizing, isopropyl alcohol can disinfect woodworking tools.
• Occasionally remove handles and clean out any debris around the blade tang.
• Avoid letting acids or pitting sit on the blade faces.

Simple cleaning removes damaging wood resin and keeps the chisels looking like new for years. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in their performance.

Accessories for WoodRiver Chisels

To get the most from your WoodRiver chisels, here are some recommended accessories:

• Honing guide – Holds chisels steady at the proper angle for sharpening.
• Chisel roll – Protects chisel edges from damage. Leather rolls prevent rust.
• Diamond sharpening stones – Cuts steel quickly for reshaping an edge.
• Stropping compound – Refines a razor sharp edge after sharpening.
• Mallet – Softer than a metal hammer to prevent damaging chisel handles.
• Rust eraser – Cleans off any signs of rust without abrasives.
• Camellia oil – All-natural rust inhibitor that won’t go rancid.

The right accessories make maintaining and using your chisels much easier. Items like a quality honing guide and strop will pay for themselves in keeping your edges in top shape.

In Conclusion

From their premium steel blades to comfortable handles, WoodRiver chisels represent an exceptional value for woodworkers. They offer impressive performance and edge retention that rivals far more expensive brands – but at a price most can afford. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, WoodRiver chisels are a smart buy that will provide years of enjoyment in your shop.