On Wed, 9 Mar 2005 19:45:10 -0800, "AAvK" wrote:


I bought three new_old_stock Buck Bros. bench chisels ('60's) just to have
a few in the largest sizes, from http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/, these are
hardened to RC 59.

The blade was sharpened and back-lapped from 220-320-600-1200 papers
for both sides, strictly by hand because my basic honing guide does not hold
thick blades, I know I did it accurately though.

I cleaned up tenon cheeks (meaning not the tenons themselves), the end-flats
around the tenons that is, the wood is doug fir. I used the 2" Buck and a
26mm Stubai bench chisel.

But when in use, the Buck took on some nick-burs to the point where it needs
a complete new honing after only [one_session_of_many_strokes] with a
mallet!!! These burs are sharp enought to feel.

The Stubai chisel was used on the same job for a bit more time than the Buck
with some equally hard slamming and it took on no nick-burs in the cutting
edge, these are hardened to RC 60. Superior steel from Austria?

I can tell the Buck steel is decent, as it leaves a non gummy medium grey
powder on the paper, the Stubai leaves a non gummy, very light colored grey
powder (On yellow 220 AO from Norton).

Does anyone suspect I should get a refund on these Bucks? Pictures are on
ABPW with the title " Buck Bros. Chisels " (for searching through the illegal
mess). Thanks much for any advise but please take all factors of mine into
account...?


once, in the distant past, buck made nice edge tools. that time is
long gone.

you might try giving them a few more honings- if the factory grind
burned the steel you will need to hone past it.

at best you'll end up with a decent utility set.