Mortise Chisels

Mortise chisels are robust tools used to chop deep mortises in timber.  Their thick blades and square edges withstand levering to remove waste.

What are mortise chisels used for?
Mortise chisels are heavy-duty chisels designed specifically for cutting deep, square-sided mortises in wood. They’re built to withstand mallet blows and prying pressure, making them ideal for traditional joinery such as mortise and tenon joints in doors, frames, and furniture making.

How are mortise chisels different from regular chisels?
Mortise chisels have a thick, rigid blade with straight sides and a stout cross-section, giving them the strength needed to handle deep cuts without flexing. They often feature strong, reinforced handles, usually made of ash or hornbeam, and a ferrule to resist splitting when struck repeatedly with a mallet.

How do I properly use and care for a mortise chisel?

• Strike with a wood or plastic mallet, driving the chisel vertically into the wood

• Work in increments to avoid forcing the tool too deeply at once

• Use the side walls to lever out waste, but only within the chisel’s capacity to avoid bending

• Keep the edge sharp using coarse to medium sharpening stones, maintaining a bevel around 30°–35° for durability
  Clean and store with the edge protected to preserve the chisel’s performance and