Japanese Laminated SK5 High Carbon Steel Nomi Chisels

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.