Since I can imagine the traditionalists getting riled up at what looks like a gimmicky chisel at first glance, let me assure you right off the bat that I’m a Krenov disciple, I’ve built many of my own handtools, and I can sharpen with the best of them. Give this tool a chance.

The Swiss-made Rali Shark comes in three sizes, each with three different-size replacement blades. I tested the largest model, which has blades with widths of approximately 1 in., 1-3/8 in., and 1-5/8 in. that slide into the shaft of the chisel. Being able to switch to a fresh edge in the middle of a job is very appealing, and I can rehone the damaged blade or replace it for about $10.

The Shark chisel blades are hair-shaving sharp right out of the box, and the largest blade, on which I have pounded the most, has retained an excellent edge. When first looking at the geometry of the chisel’s blade-to-body connection, I was concerned with how well it would pare. I found that for my uses as a finish carpenter—chopping hinge and strike mortises or squaring corners left untouched by router bits—my concerns were mostly unfounded. Tasks where I registered off the back of the tool required a little more attention than normal. In some situations, having a cutting edge wider than the body proved to be a benefit, similar in use to a butterfly chisel. I own a number of Rali hand planes, and this tool has the same solid feel even when struck with a mallet.

Besides chisel blades, Rali offers sawblade and scraper-blade attachments for the Shark, adding to the tool’s value among finish carpenters and remodelers. While Rali has a solid tool here, I think the largest hurdle will be its $110 cost—money that could buy a set of decent chisels and a nice waterstone for sharpening. Even so, I’m grateful to have it in my arsenal.