Awhile back, well actually about 15 months ago, I was awarded a set of woodcarving chisels for my volunteer efforts in restoring a Danish Modern chair. I went into the restoration completely understanding I wanted to do it pro-bono, for a friend who was kind to our kids. But she decided she was going to give me in return, some really cool wood carving chisels that she inherited from her brother who had passed just weeks before I finished the project. Her brother was an accomplished carver out of the San Fransico art scene.

Today I set up and went to cleaning and revitalizing the handles of the chisels. I did not know who the manufacture of these chisels were, I didn't care, but as I cleaned them up the marking came through, and apparently these chisels are pretty sought after by woodcarvers, so I have a nice set of Herring Bros and Addis chisels, thanks to my friend.

 

The image below shows the group of chisels lower, I have not touched yet, you can see the 5 chisels at the top, I had already cleaned up the steel with #000 wool and WD-40, and razor blade to take off the heavy rust, and I wiped on a coat of oil to the handles to bring the color back and to add some moisture to the wood. The 5 chisels at the top really look nice, I love that old patina in the handles, you can't buy patina in a can that looks that good. Also the patina on the steel I preserved very nicely too, no wire wheels, wire wheels are your worse enemy when it comes to restoring old tools and wanting to maintain the deep iron patina.

 

Image below is my cleaning and refinishing station to the right of the chisels. WD-40 and the 4 ought wool, paper towels, razor blade for the heavy rust, and BLO in the small tub for the handles.

 

Below, they are all cleaned up, many of them still have the same edge on them since the day the brother died, still very sharp. The old bed mattress cover material chisel roll is rolled out too, the chisels on the far left all have damaged handles, I need to replace them and I'll refinish those as well.

 

The markings are obvious.

 

I love these old chisels, I think I have a wonderful starter set. Someday I want to learn carving clawed feet, and sea shells for the drawer fronts of casework. When I purchase more chisels, I'll have to use Ebay or the likes, because I want to keep in the Herring Bros and Addis tradition with my set of wonderful chisels.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Links of Interest

Old Tools Archives (Featuring Herring Bros. and Addis tools)

Herring Bros. Chisels (On Ebay)

Herring Bros. Chisels (Google Search)

 

 

Edited March 27, 201610 yr by John Morris
added links

What a wonderful set of old chisels. Imagine the hands that held them and the wood they caressed. I love the old canvas pouch they call home, too.

That old canvas pouch is cool too Lew, It is just as interesting as the tools for sure. I should have taken some more images of the pouch, but as pouches go, they are often forgotten, and un-appreciated. But you are right, it is a cool old pouch.

What an excellent gift!  Those are very nice, indeed!

10 hours ago, Bundoman said:

What an excellent gift!  Those are very nice, indeed!

Yes sir! Thanks Bundoman.

Reading another topic regarding favorite chisels, I love my Herring Bros. Prize Medal and Addis Wood Carving Chisels.

I have used some already, not for carving but for shaping. The chisel that has gotten the most use is the gouge, it just comes in handy so often.

I was reading about favorite chisels today as well and trying to decide if I have a favorite.  I can see why the tools you posted here find favor with you.  As stated earlier, what a great set to receive.  

Edited October 1, 20169 yr by Bundoman

How nice of her to award those to you.  I am thinking she knew what she was doing.  Her brother cherished them I'm sure and she knows they are cherished and cared for now.  Had they got sold she wouldn't know how or where they are.

2 hours ago, Bundoman said:

I was reading about favorite chisels today as well and trying to decide if I have a favorite.  I can see why the tools you posted here find favor with you.  As stated earlier, what a great set to receive.  

 

31 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

How nice of her to award those to you.  I am thinking she knew what she was doing.  Her brother cherished them I'm sure and she knows they are cherished and cared for now.  Had they got sold she wouldn't know how or where they are.

These chisels will only know one last home, with me and my family. Hopefully they'll be handed down to my son as well as his in a perfect world.

Thanks for the kind comments guys.