Optima Fishtail Chisels

Optima Fishtail Chisels handle the most critical paring cuts in tricky spots with extremely limited access. The prime example is half-blind dovetail sockets, but once you've added these exquisite chisels to your toolbox, you'll find dozens of other places where they're just the right tool for the job. The 5:1 taper ratio provides clear access to the most common hand-cut dovetail angles. We offer them in 3/8" and 1/2" widths. 

All Optima chisels feature a lapped and polished back with flatness measured in light bands (the same system used to measure silicon wafers). This incredible surface results in edge sharpness unlike any other chisel in the world. You will never have to flatten the backs of your Blue Spruce Optima chisels…ever. And, when you unbox them, they’re razor sharp and 100% ready to go to work. No sharpening, no honing, no nothing.    

Perfectly sharpened is a great first step, but how does it hold its edge? Each Optima Chisel is machined from A2 tool steel, then double-tempered and cryogenically treated. The tempering and cryo treatments result in an incredibly fine grain structure and a hardness of Rockwell C-60 to C-62. These chisels take and hold an edge like no other.

Optima Fishtail Chisel blades extend 3-1/2" beyond the ferrule, and the handle will fit most hands comfortably. There's also a longer version those of us with larger hands will appreciate. You have two choices of wood for the handle: Resin-Infused Figured Maple or Bolivian Rosewood.  

Please note, wood is a natural product and wood grain, color, and figure vary greatly. No two chisels will look exactly alike, but we make our greatest effort to match each of your chisel handles when purchased as a set. If you are not satisfied with your chisels, contact our customer service and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

We have retired Cocobolo as an option due to shipping restrictions and access to quality stock.  We have sufficient supply to handle any special orders.  Please contact orders@bluesprucetoolworks for any special requests.  

New ferrule design.  We have modified the ferrule and handle to match our Bench and Butt chisels.  As is always the case when we retire styles and colors we keep sufficient stock for you to complete your sets.  Please contact orders@bluesprucetoolworks for any special requests.  

Use the drop-down menus below to select your options. You can get your Optima Fishtail Chisels in individual blade widths or together in a set, and you have your choice of Resin-Infused Curly Maple or Bolivian Rosewood handle.    

Keep in mind that these chisel sets are made to order.  You can expect to receive yours approximately 4-6 weeks from the date your order is placed. Thanks for your patience.