Asahi (DK-318) Japanese Laminated SK5 High Carbon Steel Bench Chisel - 18mm

Get the precision balance and functionality of traditional Japanese hand tools on your workbench without paying top-tier prices. Wigley DIY brings you the Asahi 18mm laminated bench chisel, crafted for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need reliable performance across soft woods and hardwoods alike. Hand forged in Japan, this robust 18mm chisel features a genuine Japanese white oak handle fitted with an iron back hoop to prevent splitting under heavy mallet strikes.

The blade is made from SK5 high carbon tool steel, the Japanese equivalent of American 1080 steel with carbon between 0.75%-0.85% and 0.60%-0.90% manganese. Quenched to a hardness near Rc 65, it delivers an ideal balance of blade toughness and superior edge holding ability, while offering easy sharpening so you spend less time maintaining your edge and more time cutting.

Features

• For those who desire the balance and functionality of a Japanese chisel without the price tag of their high end laminated cousins we have sourced these great value SK5 high carbon tool steel laminated chisels
• SK5 is a high grade Japanese tool steel often used in the manufacture of quality knife blades, it offers easy sharpening with a good edge holding property at an exceptionally low price
• The handles are from quality Japanese white oak and feature an iron back hoop to prevent splitting
• What is SK5 steel
• SK-5 is the Japanese equivalent of American 1080, a high carbon steel with carbon between 0.75%-0.85% and 0.60%-0.90% manganese
• As quenched, it has a hardness near Rc 65 and produces a mixture of carbon rich martensite with some small un-dissolved carbides
• The excess carbide increases abrasion resistance and allows the steel to achieve an ideal balance of very good blade toughness with superior edge holding ability
• Due to these characteristics, this grade of steel has been used traditionally for making a variety of hand tools, including chisels and woodcutting saws, and has stood the test of time and use over many years in many countries
• For soft woods a bevel of 30 degrees will provide a good balance of performance and durability
• For hardwoods a bevel of 35 degrees provides the best edge durability
• Please note: These chisels are hand forged and so the width of the chisel may vary +/- 1.0mm
• Made in Japan

Specifications