A massive antique laminated chisel by one of the most respected makers of all time. Very thick at the neck. Bright, clean, razor sharp. Laminated chisels are sought after because the combination of softer steel and harder steel not only makes for a tougher chisel, but it also makes them much easier to sharpen. The softer material is easily ground away like butter. The toughness also allows the use of harder steel at the edge without fear of the chisel breaking. T.H. (Thomas Heuston) Witherby was born on June 25, 1802 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Thomas made edge tools from ca. 1842 until he sold out in 1854. The Witherby name along with Winsted Edge Tool Works was used into the middle of the 20th century. For edge holding ability these tools are among the best ever made and are highly sought after by users today.