There is no framing chisel around that is as well-made as this one. Of Sheffield Steel, the blade is easy to sharpen and holds its edge through knotty, twisting wood. This is a recommended tool in our one-week timber framing class - the size will allow you to get down into mortices that are less than 2" wide. The wooden handle sits on a "tangue" protruding from the blade with a leather washer shock absorber. This design provides a livelier response to mallet blows than the socket style chisel handle.