Hand Crafted Chess Sets

Our hand crafted chess sets are the result of decades of woodworking experience, high quality material sourcing, and meticulous dedication to detail.

HAND MADE PIECES. All pieces are turned with chisels, detailed with hand tools, and finished individually with polyurethane based matte aerosol. Knights, Rooks, and Kings are shaped with a combination of tools and hand files. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and are sanded with five stages of abrasives from 120 to 1000 grit ensuring a smooth finish and easy handling.

BOARD ACCURACY. Chess squares are cut via laser to provide excellent accuracy and then assembled by hand over an MDF core to ensure stability. Squares, edging, and border trim are assembled by hand and finished with eight stages of abrasives ranging from 120 to 2500 grit guaranteeing a consistent and smooth matte finish. All boards boast large dimensions at 17.25" x 17.25" x 0.625" (438 mm x 438 mm x 16mm), with individual squares measuring 1.75" x 1.75" (44 mm x 44 mm). Bottom of board is felt covered and ready for any surface.

MATERIAL QUALITY. All components are crafted from high quality hand selected hardwood materials for a lifetime of use. Anticipate small unique aesthetic differences in pieces due to the organic hand crafted nature of the manufacturing process. We strive to make everything as accurate as possible - rest assured that any outstanding problems will be remedied free of charge.

WEIGHTED PIECES. All pieces are weighted with +0.375 oz. (10g) of lead, sealed with cork and covered with black felt. Royal pieces weigh 1.1 oz. (31 g), which can vary +/- 20% depending on piece shape and wood species. Individual pawns weigh 0.7 oz. (20g) which can vary +/- 10% depending on wood species. Chess boards weigh approximately 5 lbs (2.3kg). Packaged product (including board, pieces, and case) weights approximately 9 lbs (4.1kg).

DESIGN CHOICES. Our classic Walnut set is crafted with locally sourced North American Black Walnut combined with Hard Maple and an exotic African Padauk accent. Our more flamboyant option is crafted in imported African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) and locally sourced Hard Maple. Wood is a product of nature and will exhibit small variations in color and luster that enhances the inherent beauty of the wood. We are happy to provide you with photos of the exact set your are ordering to ensure your grain and color preferences are satisfied.

PIECE MEASUREMENTS. King measures 4.0" (102 mm) tall with a 1.375" (35 mm) base. Piece measurements are within +/- 10% of the following: Queen 3.5" (89 mm), Rook 3.0" (76 mm), Bishop 3.0" (76 mm), Knight 2.75" (70 mm), Pawn 2.25" (57 mm).

PROTECTIVE CASE. Chess sets includes a hard shell EVA protective case to ensure pieces are well protected during storage, travel, and shipping. The case interior couches all pieces in an isolated array of four layers of firm charcoal foam to protect from damage and scratches. Foam layers are held in place with adjustable elastic cord. Overall case dimensions measure 17" x 12" x 5" (432mm x 305mm x 127mm).

CONNECTION TO THE CRAFTSMAN. Every chess set is designed and crafted in house by a master woodworker with decades of commercial experience. Our Michigan based woodshop creates all products on site and you are able to interact with the creator directly (send us a message if you have any questions!). We stand by all of our work and are confident that this set will become a loving addition to your permanent chess nook or regular game with friends and family.