Decent chisels

[Sir Amwell]

A while back I sharpened some chisels for a good friend.
Today he said that they were really sharp when he first got them back but the edge soon dulled and he's frustrated now that he didn't keep them honed up regularly, they are now blunt. We both agreed that not knowing the make that they were not quality in the first place.
Long story short, can anyone recommend a manufacturer for a set of 3 chisels to buy that will at least retain an edge for longer?
I'm not au fait with woodworking tools.
He mentioned going down the Japanese route, I said the same thing would apply to any purchase, 'do your research'.
I said I'd ask on here.
Thanks in advance.

[MikeK]

I have a complete set of Lie Nielsen bench and mortise chisels and am very happy with them.  All chisels will lose the edge during use, but some need more attention than others.

Before the LN chisels, I had a few Two Cherries chisels I bought from the local hardware store.  I think they lost their edges during the short walk from the sharpening station to the workbench.  I have no idea what alloy or hardness they were, but now they are used to open paint cans.

[RichColvin]

My Two Cherries chisels hold edges quite well. 

[rolsen]

Narex Richters hold their edge nicely, they are my favorites.

Here's a good video from James Wright:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m1R_0D_sUM

[John Hancock Sr]

The Vertias (especially the PM-V11), Lie Nielson and Narex Richter series are all excellent steel but it seems that the Narex Richter series are the best value for money. Don't get the regular Narex, make sure you get the Richter.

As for sharpening they are all a problem for your regular SG so you may need an SB Dia or CBN.

[Ken S]

I spent a day with one of the top Tormek demonstrators. One of the tools he used was a Veritas PM-V11 chisel. The Tormek demonstrator spoke very of it. Good tools are lifetime investments. I would recommend the Veritas chisels. I would highly recommend favoring quality over quantity. Better two or three premium chisels than a set of average chisels.

Ken