There are always clunkers out there new and old. In some cases for the old tools which folks think are bad/soft the problem might be someone who machine sharpened and drew the temper out of the steel. Lots of folks don't know enough to carefully grind back to the good steel.
Warren, I agree with you on the Barr tools which I have seen in person and tried some years ago. His workmanship and the quality is top notch, but the tools are heavy and clunky to use. I have relatively small hands and Barr's chisels were very uncomfortable in my hands because of the handle diameter and shape. The steel he uses also holds and edge well.
Dave Anderson
Chester, NH