Zen-Wu Y-2 Chisel
The Y-2 is a Western-style bench chisel built around Zen-Wu white-paper carbon steel (ZW-C2), heat-treated with multiple cryogenic cycles to 64 HRC. A traditional carbon steel composition (minimal alloy, minimal impurities) refined by modern heat treatment for edge retention and toughness.
Classic design, dead-flat bevels and backs. The chisel body has a shaped thumb rest and softened corner reliefs at the points where hands naturally grip, details that matter over a long session of paring or chopping. Blade 5-1/8" (130mm), handle 5-1/2" (140mm), total length 10-5/8" (270mm). Ships at a 30° bevel, flat and ready to shave. Handle in reclaimed old-growth red ring-cupped oak.
Successor to the Y-1 Chisel. The Y-1 used ZW-C1 at 63.5 HRC; the Y-2 steps up to ZW-C2 at 64 HRC.
The 1/2" and 3/4" are not stone washed, so they come out a darker black than the other sizes. Same steel, same grind.
Ships from our workshop in Wuhan, typically within 2 to 4 days; DHL transit is 3 to 5 days (shipping policy).
Duties and taxes are collected at checkout; nothing more is due on delivery.
Lifetime warranty; 365-day returns.
Overall rating: 4.6 / 5 from 15 reviews.
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"I originally ordered a replacement plane Iron for my # 6 wood river plane. It turned it into a wonderful plane cutting 0. 5 mil shavings. That prompted me to buy the chisels that were perfectly flat backs and sharp out of the box. I have not done much with them yet other Han make a wall holder for them."
"I have had my two Y2 chisels for about a month now and my experience with them has been very good. I can sharpen them to a mirror polish, they maintain their edge well, and were a significant upgrade to my last chisels. The handles are also quite comfortable. The packaging was memorable; I thought it was done very nicely. Critiques (that do not merit removal of stars): 1. I was rather hoping they would be subtilely labeled. 2. Shipping price significantly inflated the price, although it was very expedient and well communicated. 3. Minor finishing differences between the two I purchased. 4. One of the chisel’s steel is very slightly softer than the other. I would still buy them again."
"I bought a set of the Y-2 chisels, and I am very impressed. Even the attention to detail on the packaging was impressive! These things were razor-sharp out of the box, and they’re super sharp, still. The backs were flat, the handles were perfect in my hand, and the aesthetics are amazing as well. I’ll eventually add a set of the X-2’s, just because I want them and that leather chisel pouch, but that’s for another day. That’s no knock on these, because they will definitely get the job done! That’s a Lie Nielsen 3/4” chisel in the pic with them in case someone’s wondering about size / hand fit."
"Incredible edge retention. Beautifully balanced. I love this chisel."
"I purchased the 5/8" Y-2 chisel. The quality out of the box was amazing. It was sharp, and the back was flat; no work was needed to get it ready to use. I will continue to purchase their products."
"This blows my mind. I havent used many top tier chissels before. Only sharpened medium quality chisels myself to an razor edge. But this!!!. . . . Razor sharp out of the box! Almost so that it splits hair mid air! Easy to maintain said egde by simply polish quickly on leatherstrop with compund. Takes a beating without hurting the edge. Good design. I wish octagonal handles were an option as either an option, or as replacement-handles."
"Chisels arrived very quickly and again were very sharp and only requires stropping before use. I cannot recommend these enough because the cut better than any other chisel I've used."
"Some of the nicest chisels I have used and the easiest to set up for work. . . just a quick hone and you are off to the races. . . I like the balance and size of them as well, highly recomend"
"Thank you for reaching out. I purchased the chisel based on the excellent review in Fine Wood Working. I was disappointed by the finish on the back. It took much longer to flatten than expected and there remains a mark that would require a lot of work to remove. I was considering a 1/2" chisel but that's on hold for now. I will reconsider the purchase after using this chisel more. Thanks, Alan."
"I'm a sucker for chisels and these are so good! They feel great in the hands, I haven't done anything to challenge them yet, but for simple carving they are a treat As they say sharp right out of the box, a quick strop, more for the feel of it than any need and it is good to go."