Woodworking is about craftsmanship. As such, how your tools are made is essential. There are two basic types of bench chisel construction: Japanese and Western. Many woodworking enthusiasts just use the style that the person who taught them used. However, it can be worthwhile to consider each form before you decide.
The first thing to note is that there is no wrong answer here. Both western and Japanese bench chisels can be great. It all depends on what you prefer and what type of woodworking you want to do.
The steel used in Japanese-style chisels is typically a bit harder than what you find in Western tools. Furthermore, Japanese manufacturers put the chisels through a forge-welding process that makes the incredibly sharp edges last a long time.
Remember, there’s no such thing as the one perfect chisel. There are some drawbacks to the Japanese style. The tough steel that is evenly spread can cause the chisel to be brittle. You have to treat these tools with care.
For beginners, Japanese chisels can be better for softwoods. Once you get the hang of how to use these specialized tools, you can start to use them with harder woods effectively.