This is a top quality laminated steel, framing chisel marked "T.H. WITHERBY CAST STEEL" on the steel. It measures 18.1" long x .75" wide. The laminated steel goes back about 4" from the cutting edge. (a laminated steel chisel is a top quality made chisel, with softer, stronger steel on the top layer into the socket, and a heat treated steel on the bottom cutting edge area, this provides strength, yet rarely problems with chipping or cracking the cutting edge or chisel as could happen with a chisel completely hardened). Witherby made among the best heavy duty socket chisels, along with maker's like James Swan these (sometimes call slicks) were made to hold up to the work involved in timber framing. The handle is newer hard maple with an iron ferrule at the end, very nice, and solid. A very nice, clean, sharp framing chisel overall! Note: Witherby was bought out by Winsted Edge Tool Works in the early 1870's, but Winsted continued to use the Witherby name on the chisels they manufactured. Both names are well known quality toolmakers!