Ashley Iles No. 9 Straight Gouges

Years ago I purchased a number of Ashley Iles bench chisels and found their edge retention, sharpenability, balance, and feel in the hand to be exceptional. I turn to them most often for fine paring. I adore them. So when I began to acquire carving gouges, even though another brand is more dominant, because of the O1 metal, the stoutness of the gouges, and the comfortable handles, I decided to purchase the Ashley Iles. I have absolutely no regrets. Indeed, with most reputable gouge manufacturers producing only a few sizes (from what I've seen among US retailers) and some having stopped producing at all (such as Auriou), I'd recommend these even more highly, before they, too, are no longer available. Get them!