1.   Is the issue of bearing spacing the critical factor and does that allow the blade to remain more stable?

2.   The leather boots and steel blades have remained essentially the same for a half century or more.

3.   The wider blades remain rigid without support, but they are often bulky.

4.   Try to keep the chisel as level as possible so the blade remains parallel with the work surface, otherwise the chisel will dig deep into the stock.