Why disparage small size chisels? And why does everyone love socket end
best (instead of tang, or combo socket & tang, the latter is my fav)
 Last year, I came across almost new Marples (with the old label) in 1/16"
and 1/8" inch sizes.  These are more difficult to find, and are often
mis-identified as mortise chisels because of their shape- but they were
indeed sold as optional part of the bevel edge chisel set. Small sizes are
very handy.

 Although everyone seems to love socket chisels, I find them a pain.  After
owning both, (actually many sets of both), and living in a country where we
can go from minus 30 to plus 105 degree F in 6 months (with corresponding
humidity) sockets do not stay put, period.  Yes, even when using premium
dry wood to make handles with precise socket  fits (yes even with the
hairspray trick) I'm sick of my perfectly sharp chisel dropping out of the
socket.  So yes, they look nice, and yes it's wonnerful to have sets of
extra long and extra short handles that are easy to swap out, socket
chisels leave a lot to be desired.  In contrast, socket &  tang chisels are
the results of centuries of refinement- strong support for the blade, plus
firm attachment.  Like handsaws, the pinnacle of chisel manufacturing
occurred in the previous century.  Newer metals may stay sharp longer, but
make touch-up resharpening an unpleasant chore (rather than a quick couple
mins).
 Let's talk handle woods for a second.  Which woods get nicer with sweat
and use?  Which feel nicest?  Which wood lasts longest?
For me, it would be boxwood as my number one choice, then rosewood of
whatever flavor,  ( not going to mention the mundane stuff:  ash, beech,
etc).  I have a small ebony handled awl, but I've never had an ebony
handled chisel ( ebony also gets lovelier with age.). Any other woods that
are appealing?
Cheers from the far side of the spittoon
Claudio