Tools & DIY · Head-to-head
Narex Richter 4-Piece Bevel Edge Chisel Set 860501 vs IRWIN Marples Woodworking Chisel Set M444SB6N
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Wood Chisel Sets: 4 Compared for Fine Joinery comparison.
The Narex is our pick for a first fine-joinery set with documented narrow sides and a useful width range. The IRWIN is the value alternative, provided the seller confirms the exact contents of its inconsistently documented set.
Narex Richter 4-Piece Bevel Edge Chisel Set 860501
Buy itOur first-set choice for fine joinery, with narrow blade sides and four clearly listed widths.
- The listed widths run from 1/4 inch through 1 inch.
- The maker describes very thin blade sides for access in tight work.
- Ash handles include stainless ferrules and leather shock pads.
- The set omits an intermediate 3/8-inch size.
- It costs more than a basic starter set.
- A set description cannot establish edge life in your wood or sharpening routine.
IRWIN Marples Woodworking Chisel Set M444SB6N
Buy itA value option for starting bench work, with set contents to confirm before ordering.
- The maker specifies high-carbon blades hardened to 58 HRC.
- The handle design supports palm pressure or a wooden mallet.
- A wooden storage case is included.
- The six-piece title lists only five chisel widths in the description.
- No numerical back-flatness tolerance is published on the product page.
- Side-land dimensions are not published, so tight-joint clearance needs checking.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Narex Richter 4-Piece Bevel Edge Chisel Set 860501 Our pick | IRWIN Marples Woodworking Chisel Set M444SB6N | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | A first fine-joinery set for buyers who want narrow side geometry and a compact selection of widths. | A budget-conscious first set after confirming that the seller supplies the widths your projects need. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $ · budget |
| Exact set | 860501 | M444SB6N |
| Named selection | 4 chisels | 6-piece title; verify contents |
| Published widths | 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 1 inch listed |
| Blade steel | Cryo-treated Cr-V | High-carbon steel |
| Published hardness | 62 HRC | 58 HRC |
| Side clearance | Very thin sides described | Land dimensions not published |
| Back preparation | Blade grinding and polishing described; back tolerance not published | Flatness tolerance not published |
| Handle | Ash | Slim contoured handle |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Narex Richter 4-Piece Bevel Edge Chisel Set 860501 if
a first fine-joinery set for buyers who want narrow side geometry and a compact selection of widths.
Know before buying: the set omits an intermediate 3/8-inch size.
Pick the IRWIN Marples Woodworking Chisel Set M444SB6N if
a budget-conscious first set after confirming that the seller supplies the widths your projects need.
Know before buying: the six-piece title lists only five chisel widths in the description.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Narex Richter 4-Piece Bevel Edge Chisel Set 860501 - Our first-set choice for fine joinery, with narrow blade sides and four clearly listed widths. Choose the IRWIN Marples Woodworking Chisel Set M444SB6N instead if a budget-conscious first set after confirming that the seller supplies the widths your projects need.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Wood Chisel Sets: 4 Compared for Fine Joinery.