If there is space for only one chisel set in your workshop, should the Irwin Marples MS500 be the one? Is this just another chisel set, or an essential woodworking tool that can take your craftsmanship to the next level?
I’m Azlan, a mechanical engineer and tool tester who doesn’t just share specs but real-world experiences. In my workshop in Karachi, I didn’t just look at this chisel set; I’ve worked with it. This review isn’t just a boring breakdown of technical details; it’s a summary of hands-on experience that will tell you whether this set is just for show or actually gets the job done.
Grip, durability, sharpness, and precision. Does it deliver all of this, or is it just the packaging that’s impressive? If you are wondering whether this set is worth the money or not, you will find the answer here. Let’s see if this chisel set is a friend of wood or just another average tool.
First Look First Impression
When I opened the box, there was no fancy packing, just a simple and strong case. No unnecessary show-off, no useless design, just a case that does its job—keeping the chisels safe and set.
The set has 5 chisels, each size made for a specific task.
1/4 inch 6mm When I need to do very fine work.
3/8 inch 10mm Perfect for finishing and smooth edges.
1/2 inch 13mm A size that fits everywhere for daily tasks.
3/4 inch 19mm When I have to remove more material.
1 inch 25mm For big, sharp work that needs power.
The first thing I felt when I held them? These chisels are properly balanced. Not too heavy, not too light that I lose control. When the balance is right, work feels easier, and that’s exactly how these chisels feel in my hands.
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Is it worth buying?
I hope that you will get the answer to this question after reading this review. But if you do not have the time to read the whole blog post and want a clear answer without reading it whole.
My answer is yes.
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Where to Buy (Shop Around!):
- Online: Amazon. Always worth checking their prices first.
- There are so many other places online and store you can chose which suits you best.
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- Material: Metal,Steel
- Item Weight: 1.0 kg
- Model Number: MARS500S5W
Grip & Handle Real Comfort or Just for Show
If a chisel’s handle is not comfortable, the work cannot last for long. Irwin has given a ProTouch grip in the chisels that fits well in the hand and does not slip, even if there is a lot of sweat in the hot weather. A tight grip means more control over the tool, and these chisels deliver that.
One more thing I noticed, There is a metal cap at the end of the handle. What does this mean? This means you can strike it with a hammer or a mallet without worrying about damaging to the handle. It’s a small thing, but chisels like this last longer.
Sharpness Test Are They Sharp When New Or Need Sharpening
Irwin says these chisels come sharp and ready to use. But I always like to sharpen new tools a little before using them.
They were sharp from the factory it is true, but a little more sharpening made the cutting even more smoother. If you sharpen them lightly before using them for the first time, they will work even better.
Now the real question is will these chisels stay sharp and strong over time or they are good only when they are new? Let us check that in the next test.
Deep Dive Features and Build Quality
A chisel is not just a mix of a blade and a handle. If that is the case, every chisel will be the same. The real difference is its material quality, design, and durability. The design of the Irwin Marples MS500 is made in a way that not only looks good but also strong for the work.
Blade Material and the Strength
These chisels are made from the high-carbon steel. This steel gives a good balance, the blade is hard enough to stay sharp for a long time but they are not so hard that sharpening becomes difficult. A good chisel is not just about being sharp once, but also about being easy to sharpen every time when it needs to be sharp.
The thickness and bevel angles are designed for both fine detailing and for removing a good amount of the wood when needed. This chisel is not just for finishing the work but it is a reliable tool that can handle both rough and detailed projects.
One-Piece Forging Does It Make a Difference
Many chisels in the market have a blade and tang made from separate parts. Over time, these jointed chisels start to loosen, and when the handle becomes loose, precision is lost.
The special thing about this set is that it is one-piece forged. It means it is made from a single solid piece of metal. The simple benefit of this tool is that the connection between the handle and its blade stays strong, and even with its heavy use, the blade will not loosen. This may looks like a small detail, but if you use chisels on a daily basis, you will easily understand its importance.
Impact Resistance and Longevity
Chisels are not just meant to be used by hand. Sometimes, you need to apply force or use a hammer to get the job done. In such situations, If the handle is weak, it can start wearing out in just a few months.
Irwin has given a strong solution to this problem; each handle has a reinforced metal cap at the end. This is not just for the show but it is a practical feature that protects the chisel from the repeated strikes. Whether you use a mallet or a hammer, these chisels absorb the force without damaging the handle. This feature greatly increases their lifespan.
Comfort and Control
If the chisel handle is uncomfortable, you cannot work for long. Your hands will start hurting, fingers will become slippery, and soon, your work will no longer feel enjoyable to you.
But the handle of Irwin Marples MS500 is designed with an ergonomic shape which supports a natural grip. It fits smoothly in the hands, and its rubberized grip prevents it from slipping from the hands. Even in the hot weather or with sweaty hands, the handle stays firm. Even during long working sessions, it does not cause fatigue, which is an important factor for any professional woodworker.
Precision and Edge Quality
A chisel is useless if it is not sharp. Being factory-honed means it is ready to use right out of the box, but if you give it a little extra honing, it will perform even better.
Precision and Edge Quality
These chisels are sharp enough to be used even when you take them out from the box for the first time.
The Irwin Marples MS500 cuts cleanly and smoothly, slicing through wood fibers without tearing them. For joint work and fine detailing, a stable edge is crucial, as unstable edges can ruin the entire project. These chisels offer excellent stability and sharpness, but like any other tool, they need regular maintenance to last for long.
Putting Them to the Test: Real-World Performance
A chisel can’t be judged by its specifications alone; the real test begins when it’s put to work. For me, the biggest test of any tool is how it performs in real conditions. That’s why I tested the Irwin Marples MS500 chisels on both the softwood and the hardwood to see if they meet the expectations of those who want these chisels for their work whether they are DIYers or professional woodworkers.
Paring: Clean Cuts and Smooth Finish
Paring is an important woodworking task where thin layers of wood are removed carefully. This is only easy if the chisel is sharp and gives good control.
The bevel-edge design of Marples MS500 chisels helps in detailed work and making tight joints. I tested them on hard maple and soft pine, and both cuts were clean and smooth. There were no rough edges or torn wood fibers, which is a sign of a well-made bevel chisel.
The results were clear:
Result:
- Hard maple: The chisel required a bit more force but still gave clean and controlled cuts.
- Soft pine: The blade moved smoothly, slicing through without any resistance.
- In both cases, there were no torn fibers or rough edges, which means the chisels maintain a sharp edge and provide good control.
Chopping: Striking Power and Strength
For deep cuts like mortises, chisels need to handle hard hammer or mallet hits. If the blade is weak, it will get dull quickly and if the handle is weak, it can be cracked.
The Irwin Marples MS500 strong metal cap absorbs the impact of hammer and mallet strikes. I tested it by striking them hard on the oak and on the beech wood.
Result:
- Oak: The chisel needed firm strikes but kept its edge sharp without rolling or dulling.
- Beech: It handled repeated hammer strikes well, and the blade didn’t chip or bend.
- Overall: The chisels absorbed impact without any damage, proving their durability and strong edge retention.
Dovetailing: How Accurate Is It?
Dovetail joints need very precise cuts in woodworking. These chisels have bevel edges that help to reach tight spaces, which makes them good for this job. But if you want extra fine dovetail joints, a chisel with a lower bevel might work better.
Grip and Hand Fatigue
The rubberized texture of the ProTouch handle is a big advantage. Even with sweaty hands, there is no risk of slipping, and the grip feels natural. During carving and heavy chopping, my hands did not get tired quickly, which proves that the design is ergonomic.
How Long Does It Stay Sharp?
To test their sharpness, I used the chisels on both hardwood and softwood. In softwood, the edge remained sharp without any issue. However, after working on the hardwood; especially on oak and maple; I noticed that a bit of sharpening was needed.
This is normal, but if you mostly work with the hardwood, a regular sharpening will be necessary for Irwin MS500. Well, the overall edge retention is good with this chisel set, but to maintain its best performance, sharpening it should be part of your routine.
How They Stack Up: Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Irwin MS500 | Stanley | Narex | Two Cherries |
| Price (Set) | ~$66 (6-piece), generally $50 – $80 | ~$18.50 (3-piece, on sale), up to ~$150+ (8-piece Sweetheart) | ~$53 (4-piece), ~$75 (6-piece), generally $50 – $100 | ~$200+ (sets), ~$74 – $177 (individual V-chisels) |
| Functionality | Good for general woodworking | Good for general use (entry-level), Sweetheart offers mid-tier performance | Good balance of quality and affordability for general use | Excellent for precision work and demanding tasks |
| Handle Comfort | Ergonomic ProTouch™ handles, often praised | Varies; standard can be less comfortable, no specific ergonomic focus | Wooden handles, can be uncomfortable for some, customizable | Standard handles can be less comfortable for some, offers ergonomic carving handles |
| Steel Quality | Good, “special tool steel,” focus on initial sharpness | Decent (entry-level), Sweetheart uses better steel | Decent quality steel, good for the price | Excellent high-quality German steel, superior edge retention |
| Edge Retention | Generally good, may require initial sharpening | Varies, Sweetheart line is better | Potentially slightly better than Irwin for some users | Outstanding, holds an edge for a very long time |
| Value | Good balance of price and comfortable handles | Good entry-level option, Sweetheart offers better performance at a higher price | Excellent value for the performance and price | High quality justifies the premium price |
Pros & Cons: Real-World Experience
Pros: What Stood Out
- Comfortable Even with Sweaty Hands
In hot workshop conditions, the ProTouch handle provided a strong grip, so I didn’t have to keep adjusting my hold. - Edge Stays Sharp on Different Woods
Tested on oak, mahogany, and pine—despite heavy use, the blade maintained its sharpness well. - Handles Can Take Heavy Strikes
Even with forceful mallet strikes, the handle showed no visible cracks or stress, unlike cheaper chisels.
Cons: Annoying Issues
- Metal Cap Becomes Loose Over Time
After a week of regular use, the metal cap on the handle started to loosen slightly. It doesn’t affect performance but can be irritating. - Sticky Blade Coating at First Use
Out of the box, the blade had a sticky protective coating. Cleaning it before first use is necessary to avoid extra friction. - Not Ideal for Heavy-Duty Work
For cutting very hard, dense wood, the chisels feel a bit too light. They may not be the best choice for heavy framing tasks. - Low-Quality Storage Case
After just a week in my tool bag, the plastic storage case broke at the hinge. I expected better durability.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
Overall Opinion:
The Irwin Marples MS500 Wood Chisel Set is a reliable and well-balanced option for everyday woodworking tasks. It performed impressively in my testing, though a few minor issues might matter for heavy-duty or precision tasks.
Why I Liked This Set:
- Comfortable Design: The ProTouch handle makes it easy to use for long hours.
- Works on Various Woods: Consistent performance on both softwood and hardwood makes it a solid choice for the general woodworking tasks.
- Decent Edge Retention: Needs occasional sharpening, but overall maintains a sharp edge well.
Best For:
- DIYers who are working on small to medium projects.
- Entry-Level Professionals who are upgrading their workshop.
- Hobbyists who are focusing on general carving and detailing.
Who Might Skip This:
- Industrial Users who are working on very dense hardwoods, as heavier chisels may be better.
- Precision Carving Experts needing ultra-fine detailing tools.
Note:
The purpose of writing this review is not to convince you to buy this tool; I just want to inform you about which tool is good and which is not. But before making any decision, you should always do your own research to find what works best for you.
Anyway, in my opinion, this is a good tool. If you feel that my review helped you even a little, let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments!
