Introduction
If you’re looking at Ashley Iles vs Narex chisels, you’re probably trying to figure out which ones are worth your money. I get it. Buying chisels can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone seems to have a different opinion.
Here’s the thing: both Ashley Iles and Narex make solid chisels, but they’re aimed at different woodworkers. After using both brands for years (and talking to dozens of other woodworkers), I’m going to break down exactly what you need to know.
Quick Answer: Ashley Iles chisels are premium hand-forged tools from England that cost more but offer exceptional quality. Narex chisels from the Czech Republic give you outstanding value and great performance at a much lower price. For most beginners and hobbyists, Narex wins. For serious hand tool enthusiasts who want the best, Ashley Iles is worth it.
Let’s dig deeper.
Table of Contents
What Makes Ashley Iles and Narex Different?
Before we compare Ashley Iles vs Narex chisels head-to-head, you need to understand what each brand is about.
Ashley Iles: The Hand-Forged Premium Option
Ashley Iles has been making chisels in England since the 1980s. These aren’t mass-produced tools. Each chisel is hand-forged using traditional methods that go back centuries.
What does that mean for you?
- Hand-forged blades that many woodworkers swear hold an edge longer
- Premium steel (typically O1 or Chrome Vanadium)
- Higher price point – expect to pay $40-80 per chisel
- Made by actual craftsmen in small batches
- Classic hornbeam handles that feel incredible in your hand
Narex: Czech Quality That Won’t Break the Bank
Narex has been around since 1919 in the Czech Republic. They make quality chisels using modern manufacturing methods, which keeps costs down without sacrificing performance.
Here’s what you get with Narex:
- Excellent value – usually $15-30 per chisel
- Chrome-manganese steel that takes a great edge
- Consistent quality thanks to modern production
- Multiple handle options (wood or plastic)
- Great for beginners who don’t want to spend hundreds
The big difference? Ashley Iles is traditional craftsmanship at a premium price. Narex is smart, modern manufacturing at a budget-friendly cost.
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Ashley Iles vs Narex Chisels: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Features | Ashley Iles | Narex |
|---|---|---|
| Price per chisel | $40-80 | $15-30 |
| Steel type | O1 or Chrome Vanadium | Chrome-Manganese |
| Manufacturing | Hand-forged in England | Factory-made in Czech Republic |
| Edge retention | Excellent | Very Good |
| Handle material | Hornbeam wood | Ash/Bubinga wood or plastic |
| Best for | Serious hand tool users | Beginners & hobbyists |
| Sharpening ease | Easy | Very Easy |
| Full set cost | $300-500 | $100-150 |
| Durability | Lifetime tool | Decades with care |
| Value rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
Let’s compare these two chisel brands across the factors that actually matter when you’re working in your shop.
1. Steel Quality and Edge Retention
Ashley Iles: The steel in Ashley Iles chisels is legendary. They use O1 tool steel or Chrome Vanadium, and because it’s hand-forged, many woodworkers believe the steel has better properties.
In real-world use, Ashley Iles chisels hold an edge for a long time. I can work for hours without needing to touch them up. When you’re doing fine joinery, this matters a lot.
Narex: Narex uses chrome-manganese steel, which is harder than many budget chisels. These hold an edge surprisingly well – much better than you’d expect at this price point.
Do they match Ashley Iles? Honestly, no. You’ll sharpen Narex chisels a bit more often. But the difference isn’t huge, and sharpening only takes a minute or two.
Winner: Ashley Iles, but Narex is closer than you’d think.
2. Sharpening and Ease of Maintenance
Ashley Iles: These chisels sharpen beautifully. The steel responds well to sharpening stones, and you can get a razor edge without much effort. The bevel is easy to work with, and the blade geometry is spot-on.
Narex: Here’s where Narex really shines. They come surprisingly sharp from the factory, and they’re easy to sharpen. The steel isn’t too hard or too soft – it’s just right for someone learning to sharpen.
Many beginners actually find Narex easier to sharpen than premium chisels because the steel is less finicky.
Winner: Tie. Ashley Iles gives a slightly better edge, but Narex is easier for beginners.
3. Handle Comfort and Ergonomics
This is huge. You’ll be holding these chisels for hours. Uncomfortable handles will make your woodworking miserable.
Ashley Iles: The hornbeam handles are works of art. They’re shaped by hand, so each one feels slightly different. They’re comfortable, perfectly balanced, and they get better with age as the wood develops a patina from your hands.
The handle shape is classic – not too fat, not too thin. They work equally well for paring and light mallet work.
Narex: Narex offers two main handle styles:
- Traditional wooden handles (usually ash or bubinga)
- Plastic handles on their budget line
The wooden handles are comfortable and functional. They’re not as refined as Ashley Iles, but they work great. The plastic handles? Skip them if you can – they’re fine for rough work but not enjoyable for hours of hand tool work.
Winner: Ashley Iles for feel and aesthetics. Narex wooden handles are perfectly good though.
4. Build Quality and Craftsmanship
Ashley Iles: You’re getting true hand-crafted tools. The fit and finish is excellent. The blade is perfectly seated in the handle. Everything just feels right. These are tools you’ll be proud to own and use.
Narex: The build quality is solid – way better than their price suggests. Occasionally you might find a handle that’s not perfectly fitted, but it’s rare. For factory-made chisels, they’re impressive.
Winner: Ashley Iles, but Narex punches well above its weight.
5. Price and Value for Money
Let’s talk dollars and cents.
Ashley Iles: A single chisel costs $40-80 depending on width. A full set of 6 chisels? You’re looking at $300-500.
That’s a lot of money, especially if you’re just starting out.
Narex: Individual chisels run $15-30. A complete set of 6 pieces? Around $100-150.
That’s less than the cost of two Ashley Iles chisels.
Winner: Depends on your situation. Narex offers incredible value. Ashley Iles is worth it if you can afford it.
6. Durability and Longevity
Ashley Iles: These are buy-it-for-life tools. Take care of them, and they’ll outlast you. Many woodworkers are still using Ashley Iles chisels from the 1980s.
Narex: Also very durable. The steel is tough, and the handles hold up well. Will they last 50 years? Probably, if you treat them right. They might need handle replacement eventually, but the blades are solid.
Winner: Both will last decades with proper care.
Which Chisels Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest recommendation based on different situations:
Choose Narex Chisels If:
- You’re just starting woodworking – Don’t spend $500 on chisels when you’re learning. Narex will teach you everything you need to know.
- You work mostly with power tools – If chisels are secondary tools for you, Narex makes perfect sense.
- Budget is a concern – Get quality tools without the premium price tag.
- You want a complete set immediately – $150 gets you a full set rather than 2-3 premium chisels.
- You’re setting up a shop from scratch – Save money on chisels and invest in other tools too.
Choose Ashley Iles Chisels If:
- You’re serious about hand tool woodworking – The extra performance and feel matter when you use chisels every day.
- You appreciate craftsmanship – There’s real joy in using beautifully made tools.
- You can afford the investment – If $500 won’t hurt your budget, why not get the best?
- You already have Narex and want to upgrade – This is a natural progression many woodworkers make.
- You do fine joinery work – Dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, and detailed work benefit from premium tools.
The Hybrid Approach (What I Actually Recommend)
Here’s what I’d do if I were starting over:
Start with a Narex set of basic sizes (1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″). That’s about $60-80.
Use them for 6-12 months. Learn to sharpen. Figure out which sizes you use most.
Then, buy Ashley Iles chisels in your most-used sizes. Keep the Narex for rougher work.
This way, you get the best of both worlds without spending $500 upfront.
How to Care for Your Chisels (Whichever You Choose)
Good chisels deserve good care. Here’s how to make them last:
Daily Maintenance
- Wipe blades after each use
- Keep them sharp (a dull chisel is dangerous)
- Store them properly – never let blades bang together
- A light coat of camellia oil prevents rust
Periodic Maintenance
- Check handle tightness (especially on Narex)
- Flatten the back if needed
- Inspect for damage
- Re-finish wooden handles if they dry out
Sharpening Tips
- Use a honing guide when learning
- Progress through grits: 1000, 4000, 8000
- Keep your stones flat
- Don’t oversharpen – it’s a waste of time
The Bottom Line: Ashley Iles vs Narex Chisels
If you’ve read this far, you know there’s no universal “best” choice when comparing Ashley Iles vs Narex chisels.
Narex chisels give you professional-quality tools at a beginner-friendly price. For most woodworkers, especially those starting out, Narex is the smart choice. You get great performance without the guilt of spending hundreds of dollars while you’re still learning.
Ashley Iles chisels are for woodworkers who want the absolute best. If you use chisels regularly, appreciate fine craftsmanship, and have the budget, these hand-forged tools will bring joy to your work every single day.
My personal recommendation? Start with Narex. When you’re ready – and you’ll know when that is – upgrade to Ashley Iles in your favorite sizes.
Either way, you’re getting quality chisels that will serve you well for decades.
FAQs
Are Ashley Iles chisels really three times better than Narex?
No. They’re better, but not three times better. The law of diminishing returns applies here. You’re paying for hand-crafted quality, better steel, and that intangible “feel” of a premium tool.
Can you use Narex chisels with a mallet?
Absolutely. The standard Narex chisels handle mallet work just fine. Don’t get the plastic-handled ones for heavy mallet work though.
Do Ashley Iles chisels need special sharpening?
Nope. They sharpen on the same stones you’d use for any good chisel. They’re actually easier to sharpen than many other premium brands.
Which brand is better for dovetails?
Ashley Iles chisels excel at fine work like dovetails because they hold an edge longer and the handles give you excellent control. But plenty of people cut perfect dovetails with Narex too. Your skill matters more than the chisel brand here.
Are there better options than either of these?
For budget-friendly chisels, Narex is hard to beat. For premium chisels, Ashley Iles competes with Lie-Nielsen and Blue Spruce. You could also look at Japanese chisels, but that’s a different style entirely.
