For over 40 years we have carried--and whole-heartedly endorsed--Sorby's line of chisels. The heavy blades of Sheffield Steel are the workhorses of our timber frame shop. The unique temper of this steel, perfected in Sheffield, England, allows for a durable edge that is easily sharpened.
In recent years, we asked Sorby to develop a "Slick" in the same rugged format as the Sorby chisels. This summer, we finally received a prototype in the mail. After putting the slick through its paces with several of Shelter Institute's timber framers, we are eager to offer this unusually rugged tool. What a pleasure to behold, and truly a joy to use, this slick promises the same robust service as all of Sorby's fine tools.
A distinguishing characteristic of these slicks is their heft, which promises precision in the tradition of old European craftsmanship. For the sake of comparison:
The weight of a slick is one of many factors to consider, and there are times when a lighter tool is desirable. But the heft of Sorby's slicks sets them apart. These slicks settle onto the wood as they cut, using their mass and momentum to create true precision.
In recent years, we asked Sorby to develop a "Slick" in the same rugged format as the Sorby chisels. This summer, we finally received a prototype in the mail. After putting the slick through its paces with several of Shelter Institute's timber framers, we are eager to offer this unusually rugged tool. What a pleasure to behold, and truly a joy to use, this slick promises the same robust service as all of Sorby's fine tools.
A distinguishing characteristic of these slicks is their heft, which promises precision in the tradition of old European craftsmanship. For the sake of comparison:
Brand, model |
![]() |
approximate weight |
Japanese 2" | ![]() |
2 lbs. |
Barr 2" | ![]() |
2.5 lbs |
Barr 2-1/2" | ![]() |
3.75 lbs. |
Sorby's 2-3/8" Slick | ![]() |
4 lbs. |
Sorby's 3-3/" Slick | ![]() |
5 lbs. |
The weight of a slick is one of many factors to consider, and there are times when a lighter tool is desirable. But the heft of Sorby's slicks sets them apart. These slicks settle onto the wood as they cut, using their mass and momentum to create true precision.