which chisels for general use.

Hi folks,



First time poster, long time stalker.



I'm just trying to get an idea of what sort of japanese chisels to buy as a first off.

I'm just taking the tenuous steps down the path of japanese handwork, and will most likely develop a bad tool addiction to expensive blacksmith branded tools.



I'm looking at getting some Funahiro bench chisels, but have a few questions.

I need something for general/close to every use, and i'm aware there are a number of different styles of japanese chisels. However $$ dictate what i'll buy to start off.

I've read that some japanese bench chisels are not all that suitable for dovetailing, as they sides are ground fairly wide, and cause fibres to bruise when chiselling the corners. I know that some blacksmiths make 'dovetail specific' chisels, so should i look at getting some standard bench, and a few dovetail specific to cut in the corners? Or is that being too finicky.



Until i can scrape together some serious dosh (/convince the mistress that hand tools are more important than home loans) i'll be paring, cutting in joint, (not mortising) with these so yes, just go the bench chisels? or bench + a few specialisations. ie,



Also if you can help with a few use ideas. Hiramachi chisels are for paring mostly? Chu tataki (hss?) for mortising? and from what i can tell, what some blacksmiths advertise as 'timber chisels' are basically oire nomi with a longer shank/handle to bring it more in line with western bench chisels?

I actually just read, halfway through posting this, that shinogi (diamond back) chisels are specifically designed for dovetailing, while im guessing they're also quite practical for every other use. I may have answered my own question ha.



Sorry this is a bit of a rambling post, I guess i would just like some general advise on where i should start, given that i can't afford more than 1 set this year i think. ( and i think ill be waiting half the year for it anyway.)



thanks for the possible help.

Lachlan