Best Wood Chisel Set Under £100

The Irwin Marples M444 set is a longstanding favorite among woodworkers for its balance of performance and price. The chrome vanadium steel blades hold an edge well and are easy to sharpen, while the bi-material handles provide a secure grip even during extended use. Owner reviews consistently praise the set's ability to handle both fine paring and heavy chopping tasks.

At around £60-£80, this set offers professional-level quality without the premium price tag. The six most common sizes (6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm) cover most woodworking needs. While the lack of a storage roll is a minor downside, the overall build quality and edge retention make this the best value choice for serious hobbyists and professionals alike.

The Stanley Sweetheart 12-404 set is a revival of a classic design, using O1 tool steel that is known for its ability to take a razor-sharp edge. This steel is harder than standard chrome vanadium, meaning it stays sharp longer but requires more care during sharpening. The ash wood handles are ergonomic and provide a traditional feel that many woodworkers prefer.

At around £50-£70, this set offers premium steel at a budget-friendly price. The main trade-off is the limited size range (6mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm), which may not cover all needs. However, for fine joinery and dovetailing where a sharp edge is critical, the Stanley Sweetheart is an outstanding choice that outperforms many more expensive sets.

The Narex Richter set is an excellent entry point for beginners or those on a tight budget. Made from chrome-manganese steel, these chisels offer decent edge retention and are easy to sharpen. The set includes the six most common sizes (6mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm) and comes with a practical leather roll for storage and protection.

At around £40-£55, this set delivers surprising quality for the price. Owner reviews note that the beech wood handles are comfortable but may require light sanding to remove roughness. Some users also recommend flattening the backs of the blades before first use. Despite these minor setup needs, the Narex Richter provides a complete set that performs well above its price point.

The Bahco 3846-6 set is designed for professionals who need chisels that stay sharp through heavy use. The alloy steel blades are heat-treated to a high hardness, providing excellent edge retention that reduces the frequency of sharpening. The bi-material handles are ergonomically shaped to reduce fatigue during extended use, though some users note they can become slippery with sweaty hands.

At around £70-£90, this set sits at the top of the under £100 budget. The six-piece set covers the essential sizes (6mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm) and includes a plastic storage case. Owner reviews consistently praise the edge retention, with many noting they can work for hours without needing to resharpen. For demanding professional use, the Bahco set is a reliable investment.

The Draper 48995 set is the most affordable option on our list, making it ideal for DIYers who need chisels for occasional projects like trimming doors or light woodworking. The carbon steel blades are easy to sharpen but do not hold an edge as long as higher-end steels. The plastic handles are functional but lack the comfort and durability of wood or bi-material options.

At around £20-£30, this set is a great entry-level choice for those on a tight budget. The six-piece set covers the standard sizes and comes with a plastic storage box. Owner reviews note that the chisels work well for basic tasks but require frequent sharpening for any serious work. For the price, the Draper set offers decent performance for occasional DIY use.