Recently I've been working on a retaining wall. When it came time for the cap stones I normally pull out the 14 inch gas saw and do some trimming. But like all things in life some times things happen for a reason. My gas saw wouldn't start. I needed to trim my caps stones down to size with out running the risk of loosing any of them. I pulled out my Trow and Holden Carbide Rocko Chisel.
I use the 1 inch stock x 1-1/2 blade # CR01112
I had first learned about this chisel from a stone mason Richard Tinsley from KY. I've had this chisel in my bag of tricks for over 2 years. I never understood why Richard only owned one chisel.
Richard Tinsley working every cap stone at Wyman -Dell Park, Baltimore MD - 2010
For the life of me I couldn't find any use for this Rocko. Until the gas saw wouldn't start. I get it now. The design forces the energy away from the edge of the stone. Forcing the stone to break at the point of contact. Reducing the chance of creating a undercut or breaking off more then you would like. After a few days I've wondered why I even would think about using a gas saw. It never looks natural when you cut a stone with a saw. With a little more time I'm sure I will never have to start that gas saw again. Ok maybe once or twice from time to time.
This is a short video from Trow and Holden along with info on the Rocko from their web site.