Introduction
Look, I get it. You’re trying to figure out which chisels won’t make you regret your purchase. The Narex vs Veritas chisels debate comes up constantly in woodworking forums, and honestly? Both sides have strong opinions.
I’ve spent the last few years testing both brands on real projects – not just pushing them through some fancy test wood. Today, I’m going to break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for YOUR woodworking situation.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer:
Get Narex if: You’re a beginner or intermediate woodworker who wants excellent value. You’ll get professional-quality chisels without crying when you accidentally bang one into a nail.
Get Veritas if: You’re serious about hand tool woodworking, want the absolute best edge retention, and don’t mind paying premium prices for premium performance.
Still not sure? Keep reading. I’ll explain everything.
Related Article: Narex Vs Irwin Chisels: What Should You Choose In 2026?
What Makes These Two Brands Special?
Before we dive into the Narex vs Veritas chisels comparison, let me explain why these two brands dominate the conversation.
Narex: The Czech Champion
Narex has been making chisels in the Czech Republic since 1919. Yeah, over 100 years of experience. These folks know steel.
What makes them special? They deliver professional-grade performance at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. When woodworkers talk about “best bang for your buck,” Narex usually tops the list.
Veritas: Canadian Precision
Veritas is made by Lee Valley Tools in Canada. These guys are perfectionists. Every chisel goes through multiple quality checks, and it shows.
Veritas chisels are what many professional furniture makers reach for when precision absolutely cannot be compromised. They’re expensive, but they’re built to last generations.
Narex Vs Veritas Chisels: What Should You Buy?
| Features | Narex | Veritas |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $15-30 per chisel $80-150 per set | $50-80 per chisel $250-400+ per set |
| Steel Type | Cr-Mn (Chromium-Manganese) | PM-V11 (Powder Metallurgy) |
| Hardness | 59 HRC | 60-61 HRC |
| Edge Retention | Good (sharpen 1-2x per day) | Excellent (sharpen weekly) |
| Sharpening Ease | Very Easy (3-4 minutes) | Moderate (7-10 minutes) |
| Handle Style | Wood or Richter plastic | Ergonomic bubble hardwood |
| Blade Design | Thicker, square sides | Thinner tips, tapered sides |
| Best For | Beginners, rough work, value | Fine furniture, precision joinery |
| Durability | Excellent (Decades) | Excellent (Lifetime) |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
1. The Real Price Difference (And What It Means)
Let’s talk money because this matters.
A Narex chisel set typically costs between $80-150 for a good 4-piece or 6-piece set. Individual chisels run about $15-30 each.
A comparable Veritas chisel set? You’re looking at $250-400+ for similar pieces. Individual chisels cost $50-80 each.
That’s roughly 3x more expensive for Veritas.
Is it worth it? That depends on what you’re doing. I use both in my shop, and I reach for different ones depending on the project.
2. Steel Quality: Where The Magic Happens
This is where the Narex vs Veritas chisels discussion gets technical, but I’ll keep it simple.
Narex Steel
Narex uses Cr-Mn steel (chromium-manganese). It’s hardened to around 59 HRC (that’s the Rockwell scale for hardness).
What does this mean in real life? The steel:
- Sharpens easily and quickly
- Holds an edge well for most projects
- Is forgiving if you make mistakes
- Won’t chip as easily if you hit something hard
I can sharpen a Narex chisel in about 3-4 minutes and get back to work.
Veritas Steel
Veritas uses PM-V11 steel for their premium chisels. This is powder metallurgy steel – basically, super fancy modern steel.
Hardened to about 60-61 HRC, it:
- Holds an edge MUCH longer than most steels
- Requires less frequent sharpening
- Can be a bit trickier to sharpen initially
- Gives you insanely clean cuts
The edge retention difference is noticeable. I can work an entire day with Veritas chisels and still have sharp edges. With Narex, I might touch them up once or twice during a long project.
3. Build Quality and Ergonomics
When you’re chopping mortises for three hours, comfort matters.
Narex Handles
Narex offers different handle types:
- Classic wooden handles (hornbeam wood)
- Richter-style plastic handles (impact-resistant)
The wooden handles feel traditional and comfortable. They’re not fancy, but they work. The Richter handles are bulletproof – you can smack these with a metal hammer all day.
One complaint: The hoops (metal rings) on some Narex handles can feel a bit rough until you use them for a while.
Veritas Handles
Veritas uses bubble-style hardwood handles on most models. These are ergonomically designed based on actual hand measurements.
They feel amazing. Seriously. The first time I used one, I understood why people pay the premium. Your hand just nestles into the shape naturally.
The fit and finish is perfect. No rough spots, no gaps, no issues.
4. Blade Geometry: The Secret Sauce
This is something most reviews skip, but it matters.
Narex Blade Design
Narex chisels have:
- 25-degree primary bevel
- Relatively thick blades
- Square sides (perpendicular to the back)
The thicker blades mean they’re sturdier for chopping and prying. They won’t flex or bend easily. However, this can make them less ideal for getting into really tight dovetail corners.
Veritas Blade Design
Veritas chisels feature:
- 25-degree primary bevel
- Slightly thinner blades at the tip
- Tapered sides (for dovetail work)
That side taper is genius for fine joinery. You can get into corners that would be impossible with square-sided chisels. For dovetail joints and fine furniture work, this design wins.
5. Sharpening Experience
I’m going to be honest about the Narex vs Veritas chisels sharpening situation because this affects your daily experience.
Sharpening Narex
Pros:
- Sharpens quickly on any stone
- Easy to establish a burr
- Forgiving if your angle is slightly off
- Great for beginners learning to sharpen
Cons:
- Needs sharpening more frequently
- The backs can require some initial flattening (though this is normal for most chisels)
I can take a Narex chisel from dull to scary-sharp in under 5 minutes with basic waterstones.
Sharpening Veritas
Pros:
- Stays sharp MUCH longer
- The backs are dead flat from the factory
- Gives an incredible edge
Cons:
- Takes longer to sharpen (harder steel)
- Requires better sharpening technique
- More challenging for beginners
The PM-V11 steel requires a bit more patience. You’ll spend maybe 7-10 minutes sharpening, but then you won’t need to sharpen again for much longer.
Real-World Performance Testing
I’ve used both brands for actual projects, not just test cuts. Here’s what I found.
1. General Carpentry and Rough Work
Winner: Narex
For cleaning up rough joints, chopping waste, and general beating around, I grab Narex every time. Why?
- They’re tough as nails
- I don’t worry about chipping the edge
- Easy to touch up quickly
- The price means I’m not stressed about damage
I once accidentally hit a hidden staple while cleaning out a mortise. The Narex chisel got a tiny ding that I fixed in 2 minutes. If that had been a Veritas, I would’ve cried.
2. Fine Furniture and Joinery
Winner: Veritas
For cutting dovetails, paring to a precise line, and delicate work:
- The edge retention means consistent cuts
- The blade geometry gets into tight spots
- The superior sharpness gives cleaner results
- The ergonomics reduce hand fatigue
When I’m building a jewelry box or fine furniture piece, Veritas chisels give me more confidence in the results.
3. Restoration and Antique Work
Winner: Narex
Restoration work is unpredictable. You never know what you’ll hit – old nails, paint, glue, weird hardware.
Narex chisels are perfect here because:
- They’re affordable enough that damage isn’t devastating
- The steel composition is forgiving
- Quick sharpening means less downtime
Common Complaints and Issues
Let’s address the real problems people have with both brands.
Narex Problems
“The backs aren’t perfectly flat” True, but neither are most chisels under $200. Budget 30 minutes to flatten the backs on your first sharpening session. After that, it’s done forever.
“The handles aren’t as refined” Fair point. They’re functional but not luxurious. Some people find them slightly rough initially.
“They need more frequent sharpening” Yep. That’s the trade-off for easier sharpening and lower cost.
Veritas Problems
“They’re really expensive” Can’t argue with that. A full set costs serious money.
“Harder to sharpen” The PM-V11 steel requires better technique and more time. Not ideal for beginners.
“They might be overkill for hobby woodworkers” Honestly? Sometimes yes. If you’re making one project per month, you might not need this level of performance.
The Durability Question
Which brand lasts longer? This is a common question in the Narex vs Veritas chisels debate.
Short answer: Both will outlive you with proper care.
Long answer: Veritas chisels have slightly better long-term edge retention due to superior steel. However, Narex chisels are incredibly durable and will last decades with normal maintenance.
I have Narex chisels I’ve used for 5+ years that work as well as day one. I also have Veritas chisels from the same period that needed sharpening less often but cost more initially.
Neither brand has durability issues. This isn’t a concern.
Accessories and Extras
Tool Rolls and Storage
Narex chisels usually come in basic cardboard boxes. You’ll want to buy a tool roll ($15-30) to protect them properly.
Veritas often includes nice wooden boxes or better packaging. Still, a good tool roll is a smart investment either way.
Sharpening Setup
For Narex chisels:
- Basic waterstone set (1000/6000 grit) works perfectly
- Budget $50-80 for stones
For Veritas chisels:
- Same stones work fine
- Consider adding a strop ($20-30) to extend time between full sharpenings
- Diamond plates are also excellent for the harder steel
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Both brands need similar care:
Regular maintenance:
- Wipe down after use
- Keep edges protected (edge guards or tool roll)
- Sharpen before edges get truly dull
- Occasional handle treatment with linseed oil
Storage:
- Keep in a dry environment
- Use edge guards or keep in a tool roll
- Don’t let them bang together in a drawer
The main difference? You’ll sharpen Narex chisels more often, but it’s quicker. You’ll sharpen Veritas less often, but it takes longer each time.
Narex Vs Veritax Chisels: Making Your Final Decision
Let me give you a simple decision framework:
Choose Narex if:
- You’re working on a budget (under $150 for chisels)
- You’re learning woodworking or sharpening
- You do mostly construction or rough carpentry
- You want excellent quality without premium prices
- You’re equipping a shop class or teaching environment
- You plan to use chisels in unpredictable situations
Choose Veritas if:
- You’re a serious furniture maker or joiner
- You prioritize absolute best edge retention
- You frequently do precision dovetail work
- You want heirloom-quality tools
- You already have solid sharpening skills
- Budget isn’t your primary concern
My Final Verdict on Narex vs Veritas Chisels
After using both brands extensively, here’s my honest conclusion:
For 90% of woodworkers, Narex chisels are the smarter choice. They deliver professional performance at prices that won’t make you nervous about using them. The slight compromise in edge retention is offset by easier sharpening and lower stress about damage.
For serious hand tool woodworkers and furniture makers, Veritas chisels are worth the investment. The superior edge retention, perfect blade geometry, and exceptional ergonomics make a real difference when you’re doing precision work for hours every day.
The best solution for many people is a hybrid approach – Narex for everyday tasks and a few key Veritas chisels for fine work.
The Narex vs Veritas chisels debate doesn’t have one right answer. It has YOUR right answer based on your specific needs, budget, and woodworking style.
FAQs
Q1. Can you use Narex chisels professionally?
Absolutely. Many professional woodworkers use Narex chisels daily. They’re professional-grade tools, just at a better price point.
Q2. Are Veritas chisels really worth 3x the price?
For serious furniture makers and hand tool enthusiasts, yes. For casual hobbyists, probably not. It depends on your usage and budget.
Q3. Do I need both brands?
No, but many woodworkers find the combination gives them flexibility without excessive cost.
Q4. Which brand holds an edge longer?
Veritas, hands down. The PM-V11 steel significantly outperforms Narex steel in edge retention.
Q5. Which is easier to sharpen?
Narex. The softer steel establishes a burr faster and sharpens more quickly.
Q6. What sizes should I buy first?
Start with 6mm (1/4″), 12mm (1/2″), 20mm (3/4″), and 25mm (1″). These cover most tasks.
