Best Chisels for Woodworking Beginners: A Hands-On Guide

When I first started woodworking, I quickly learned that having the right tools can either make the process rewarding or completely frustrating. Among the most essential tools in my beginner setup were chisels. They may seem simple, but they play a crucial role in shaping, carving, and fine-tuning wood. A good chisel doesn’t just cut—it glides, feels balanced in the hand, and helps bring your creative ideas to life. If you’re starting your woodworking journey, investing in the best chisels for woodworking beginners will save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best chisels for woodworking beginners that I’ve either used or closely examined. Each of these options offers excellent value, ease of use, and durability—all the things a beginner should look for. Whether you’re building furniture, crafting joints, or refining details, these chisels are great additions to your tool collection.

1. Narex 6-Piece Woodworking Chisel Set

The Narex brand hails from the Czech Republic, and their chisels offer high-end performance at a mid-range price. I picked up their 6-piece set early on, and it was immediately clear how well-made these tools are. The blades are crafted from high-carbon steel and hold an edge remarkably well, even through hardwoods like oak and maple. The handles are made of stained beechwood, which looks great and feels solid in the hand.

I especially appreciated how the set includes common sizes ranging from 6mm to 26mm, giving beginners plenty of flexibility for different woodworking tasks. From mortises to finer carving, this set has served me well. They’re easy to sharpen, and after a bit of honing, they slice through end grain with ease.

These chisels do come with a basic cardboard box, so I recommend grabbing a roll or case to protect your investment. Overall, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone who wants reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Set includes 6 chisels (6mm to 26mm)
• High-carbon steel blades
• Stained beechwood handles

Pros:

• Excellent edge retention
• Comfortable and balanced
• High value for the price

Cons:

• Comes with basic packaging
• Needs sharpening out of the box

2. Stanley 16-150 3-Piece Wood Chisel Set

Stanley is a staple in the hand tool world, and their 16-150 set is a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on functionality. It includes 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ chisels—perfect starter sizes for a wide range of woodworking projects. I started with this exact set before moving to higher-end tools, and it served me well during my learning curve.

The steel blades are tempered and hardened, which allows for decent durability, though I found myself sharpening them a bit more often than premium brands. The black polypropylene handles are tough and can take light mallet strikes without cracking. While they don’t have the finesse of some pricier models, they’re dependable for basic cuts and beginner techniques.

For under $30, the Stanley 16-150 set is hard to beat. If you’re trying out woodworking for the first time or need a basic backup set, this is a smart choice.

Key Features:

• Includes 3 commonly used sizes
• Tempered, hardened steel blades
• Durable polypropylene handles

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Good for general-purpose use
• Handles resist damage from mallets

Cons:

• Needs frequent sharpening
• Not ideal for fine detail work

3. Irwin Marples M444SB6N 6-Piece Set

Irwin Marples chisels strike a nice balance between cost and performance. Their M444SB6N set includes six sizes from 1/4″ to 1-1/4″, making it versatile enough for many woodworking applications. I’ve used this set on both softwoods and hardwoods, and they’ve held up surprisingly well under regular use.

The blades are forged from high-carbon steel and arrive reasonably sharp, although I recommend a quick honing before use. The handles are made of polypropylene and have a striking blue and yellow design. They’re ergonomic and can handle hammer or mallet blows comfortably.

What makes this set especially appealing for beginners is its price-to-performance ratio. The edge retention is impressive for the cost, and they’re easy to maintain. Plus, they come in a durable case, which is a nice bonus for storage and transport.

Key Features:

• Includes 6 chisels (1/4″ to 1-1/4″)
• High-carbon steel blades
• Ergonomic polypropylene handles

Pros:

• Strong edge retention
• Comfortable grip for prolonged use
• Comes with a storage case

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than others
• Needs final sharpening before use

4. VonHaus 8-Piece Chisel Set

VonHaus is a brand known for delivering complete tool kits, and their 8-piece chisel set is no exception. This set includes six chisels, a honing guide, and a sharpening stone—perfect for someone just getting started and needing the full package. The blades are made from chrome vanadium steel, which is tougher and more corrosion-resistant than carbon steel.

I found the chisels in this set to be adequate for light to medium-duty work. The rubberized handles offer a decent grip, and I was able to make controlled cuts without much trouble. While the blades don’t stay razor-sharp for long, the included sharpening stone helps keep them in shape.

For beginners looking to buy everything in one go, this set is an attractive option. It’s not the highest performer, but it offers solid versatility for basic woodworking.

Key Features:

• Set includes six chisels, honing guide, and sharpening stone
• Chrome vanadium steel blades
• Rubberized handles

Pros:

• Complete starter kit
• Good for softwoods and light work
• Comfortable grip

Cons:

• Sharpening stone is basic
• Edge retention is average

5. WORKPRO 3-Piece Wood Chisel Set

The WORKPRO chisel set is a surprisingly high-quality pick for its low cost. The set includes three chisels—1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″—all made with heat-treated chrome vanadium steel. These chisels feel sturdy in the hand, and I was pleased by how well they held up while working on a pine bookshelf project.

The handles are soft rubber over plastic, which gives you control without fatigue. I used a wooden mallet with these, and the butt cap held up without cracking or denting. They come with blade guards, which is always a plus for safe storage.

These chisels are a solid pick for new woodworkers who want performance without spending a lot. They’re easy to sharpen and durable enough for most beginner tasks.

Key Features:

• Includes 3 chisels (1/2″, 3/4″, 1″)
• Chrome vanadium steel
• Soft-grip handles with strike caps

Pros:

• Durable and ergonomic
• Great value for the price
• Blade guards included

Cons:

• Not ideal for detailed carving
• Needs initial honing

6. Hurricane 4-Piece Wood Chisel Set

This Hurricane set is one I stumbled upon when helping a friend set up his first workshop. The four included chisels range from 1/4″ to 1″, which is a great starting spread for general woodworking tasks. The blades are made of drop-forged chrome vanadium steel and feature beveled edges for easier access to tight joints.

What stood out was the clear plastic handles—unique and tougher than they look. They’ve taken plenty of mallet strikes without showing much wear. While these aren’t premium tools, they’re a reliable budget set that gets the job done for beginners learning the ropes.

I wouldn’t use them on delicate or fine woodworking projects, but for basic joinery, rough shaping, and practice, they’re a worthy addition to the beginner’s toolkit.

Key Features:

• Set includes 4 chisels (1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″)
• Beveled edge blades
• Transparent plastic handles

Pros:

• Tough construction
• Affordable starter set
• Handles mallet use well

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a storage case
• Not ideal for fine detail work

7. REXBETI 10-Piece Wood Chisel Set

For those who want an expansive set with plenty of extras, the REXBETI 10-piece set fits the bill. This set includes six chisels ranging from 1/4″ to 1-1/2″, a sharpening stone, a honing guide, and two blade protectors. It’s one of the more complete kits I’ve seen in this price range.

The chisels have heat-treated chrome vanadium blades and full-length plastic handles with rubberized grips. I’ve used this set to help teach basic joinery, and the consistency across the tools made it a lot easier for new users to get a feel for each cut. The included extras are practical and actually usable—not just filler.

For new woodworkers who want a one-box solution, this is a smart purchase. It offers both variety and utility at a budget-friendly price.

Key Features:

• Set includes 6 chisels, honing guide, stone, blade guards
• Chrome vanadium steel
• Ergonomic non-slip handles

Pros:

• Complete set with accessories
• Great range of sizes
• Good edge durability

Cons:

• Heavier than average
• Requires frequent sharpening with hard woods

Conclusion

Choosing the best chisels for woodworking beginners doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want a budget-friendly starter kit like the Stanley 16-150 or a more comprehensive solution like the REXBETI 10-piece set, there’s something out there for every need and budget. Personally, I think starting with a reliable mid-range set like the Narex or Irwin Marples can give you a great foundation without overcommitting.

As your skills grow, you’ll naturally start refining your preferences—maybe favoring lighter chisels for finesse work or heavier ones for mortising. No matter where you begin, investing in quality tools will always make the learning curve more enjoyable and less frustrating. The best chisels for woodworking beginners are the ones that feel good in your hand, keep a sharp edge, and help you enjoy every project from start to finish.