Optima Skew Chisels fit into intricate joinery cuts when the others just won't. The blades are thin, flat and have a concave edge profile that gets you into the tightest places with ease while the 65° skew angle of the blade shaves fibers cleanly. Whether you're tackling something as complicated as a full-blind dovetail or simple, but tiny tenons, Optima Skew Chisels will get the job done.
All Optima Chisels feature a lapped and polished back with flatness measured in light bands (the same system used to measure silicon wafers). This incredible surface results in edge sharpness unlike any other chisel in the world. You will never have to flatten the backs of your Optima chisels ever. And, when you unbox them, they’re razor sharp and 100% ready to go to work. No sharpening, no honing, no nothing.
Perfectly sharpened is a great first step, but how does it hold its edge? Each Optima Chisel is machined from A2 tool steel, then double-tempered and cryogenically treated. The tempering and cryo treatments result in an incredibly fine grain structure and a hardness of Rockwell C-60 to C-62. These chisels take and hold an edge like no other.
Optima Skew Chisels are available in 1/4" and 3/8" widths in left and right skew angles. The handle will fit most hands comfortably, but there's also a longer version those of us with larger hands will appreciate. You have two choices of wood for the handle: Resin-Infused Figured Maple or Bolivian Rosewood.
Please note, wood is a natural product and wood grain, color, and figure vary greatly. No two chisels will look exactly alike, but we make our greatest effort to match each of your chisel handles when purchased as a set.
New ferrule design. We have modified the ferrule and handle to match our Bench and Butt chisels. As is always the case when we retire styles and colors we keep sufficient stock for you to complete your sets.
You can get your Optima Skew Chisels in individual blade widths or together in a set, and you have your choice of Resin-Infused Curly Maple or Bolivian Rosewood handle.
Uses:
- Creating fine, intricate details in woodturning projects
- Cutting precise dovetail joints in cabinetry
- Shaping and finishing spindle work on a lathe
- Carving detailed patterns and designs in wooden sculptures
- Trimming and paring wood in tight corners where straight chisels cannot reach
- Enhancing artistic woodwork with detailed lines and textures
- Crafting custom wooden furniture with unique joinery details
- Smoothing rough edges in carved or turned pieces