Been comparing my older Sheffield Marples with the one new Narex Richter 1/2 inch I bought. Both can be super sharp, but it is true, the Richter is much tougher. Very expensive, but it is cheaper to buy ONCE. I bought one for a test, and now will be buying several more. I have a pile of chisels that were my grandfathers. Again, I can get them all sharp, but none hold up like the Richter. Another place of value, they come with the back flat and polished. A quick strop and you are cutting. Cheaper chisels, even good steel, can take hours to get ready.
Modern technology can beat "vintage'. A lot of nostalgia about old tools, but I look at them as tools to use.