Jiffy Deluxe Mille Lacs Chisel

This is my first ice chisel. I was bitten bad by the ice fishing bug about three years ago, and have been building up my equipment since. Bought this mainly to check first ice, re-open holes, and clear tip ups. Having never owned another kind, or been exposed to other brands, I don't know first hand how this would compare. However, I put a ton of research into every purchase I make. I want the best value for my dollar. This chisel was just raved about on iceshanty.com, and I would echo their statements. It weighs 10.3 pounds on my shipping scale at work. As the description says its a two piece chisel, held together by a substantial cotter pin, and key ring style keeper. It does have two length choices, one about 5 inches longer than the other. I don't see much point in this setting though, as the two pieces aren't much together at that point, reducing its rigidity. The handle looks deceptively rubber, or soft in the picture to me. Let me assure you this whole bar is nothing but metal. The rings are metal, the handle is metal. No soft grip(which would have been nice in my mind). That does not detract from my opinion of it though. Its not uncomfortable at all to use. Thing is built like a beast. You can easily punch down 3-4 inches on every thrust. I took it out on my first ice fishing trip of the season recently, eager to try it out. I easily chipped through 4 inches of ice near the shoreline, and chipped my way out to a good spot. Took my hand crank auger out of the sled and started to drill. 2 minutes later I had a 8 inch hole through 5-6 inches of ice. I reached for my chisel deciding to use it make my next hole. Didn't touch the auger the rest of the day, and I punched 20 holes. It just eats through ice. I couldn't be happier with this product, although the company I purchased it from gets them direct from the factory sent in bulk, so they bang against each other and scratch up the paint. Mine was also missing the lanyard, but they were good about sending me one, in a timely fashion too. Price tag is a little Steep on these in general, but if you never loose it, it will last you a life time. Very well made, plus you feel so cool using it. No doubt in my mind its the best one made.10/31/14 Update: Still love it. The picture posted for this chisel is pretty deceiving though, because it shows all three of the different styles of ice chisels that Jiffy makes. The one listed is the bottom of the three. Hope that helps.

This is a beast, kinda heaVY, but that's good for what it is intended. I might suggest something a bit lighter for Spudding as you walk out on the ice, but if you strong, boom.

Works great for the prices.

The step down blade is better than my other chisels step blade. At first the little bit of slop between the two sections annoyed me but I didn't feel it when chopping ice...like I thought I would.

Great chisel