re: Three really large 18th century style chisels

>>What is stopping the tangs from splitting the handles after a few good whacks?<<

the bolster is forge welded to the tang so on chisels of this style where the bolster covers the entire end of the handle, it's basically like hammering a dowel - the tang doesn't really come into play unless you accidentally hit it sideways. For folks wondering what forge welded means, it's heated to a super high temperature - so is the tang - and then welded to the tang by hammer forming the bolster to the tang. the filing and shaping is done after that and after striking the bolster with a steel hammer to make sure the weld is sound.  

>>2"! They look really nice. Great job!<<

Thanks!