There's nothing wrong with A2

[Phil Gaudio]

Erich: I just happen to have sharpened my BS 1/2" paring chisel today. I use 3M micro-finishing film. 15micron/5micron/.5micron progression. I use a LN honing guide. 25 degree primary bevel angle and around 30 degree secondary. Cuts beautifully: here is pic of end grain pine.

Interesting. I need to try this steeper bevel angle.

I have an A2 Blue Spruce paring chisel that I've not been very happy with. Didn't pare well out of the box, after sharpening as I usually do (2 degree micro bevel steeper than the primary bevel) which is 25 degrees not much improvement and I was having to use what seemed to me to be a lot of force for pairing pine end grain. I already see some chips on the edge. Given the price and reputation of the manufacturer, I figured I was doing something wrong. I stopped using it as I had better luck with my LN and Veritas chisel.

Also, how do I know when the wire edge is gone?