@A_Capybara_A My apologies for my rudeness.
Regards,
Andy
House of Staunton Review - Dyed counterfeits.
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Sep 2, 2024
0
#63
Very interesting chain. FWIW, I have always had very good experiences with HoS. In one case where there were some problems with pieces, I sent photos and they immediately sent replacements. In another where the wrong item was shipped *by the maker* (not HoS), they resolved the issue instantly. My many other interactions have been flawless and the chess pieces usually exceed my expectations - even when they are ‘flawed’ via the Outlet.
No one or organization is perfect, but if there is one I trust fully to deliver excellence, it is HoS. That said, I purchase items elsewhere, always with a greater sense of trepidation…
No one or organization is perfect, but if there is one I trust fully to deliver excellence, it is HoS. That said, I purchase items elsewhere, always with a greater sense of trepidation…
Sep 4, 2024
0
#64
@baudouin27 thanks for participating! Our experiences seem to have no overlap, but good to know that you have a positive impression.
If you do not mind me asking, where do you purchase your sets? Is it because of price, and how have you found them thus far?
Sep 5, 2024
0
#65
@A_Capybara_A HoS is often a point of reference for me if I have a particular design in mind. I will typically also look at Staunton Castle. Their work has always been excellent and they have accommodated some special requests. Frank Camaratta’s Chess Antiques has been a regular stop as well - always a pleasure! There are several makers in Ukraine that I have purchased sets from via ETSY - no problems (I have refelted some of the sets that came with a distracting bright red felt). I like the fact that they use European woods. Their work is excellent though not weighted heavily. I have purchased from The Chess Empire and Chess Bazaar, and of course eBay. There are a couple of others. And no comment needed for NOJ. My expectations are always set based on previous experiences and by trying to read as much as I can about the experiences of others (chess.com is an amazing resource).
There are often trade-offs - I just ended up purchasing a Zagreb design for playing (not super expensive, but stout). I liked the design best at Staunton Castle and HoS - great proportions of the knight neck and height and good quality carving. I prefered the SC rook. But both only offered ebonized or lacquered or ‘burnt’ or dyed (or HoS ‘Prestige’ which for this set is not worth the money to me). I ended up compromising a bit on design in order to get natural wood (rosewood) from another maker. For the purposes of this set, I’m perfectly satisfied, though not the perfect Zagreb.
About wood types, I’m not a botanist. I have learned to pay attention to key words like ‘blood rosewood’, padauk, Rosewood, acacia, ebony vs ebonized, dyed, antiqued, etc. They are generally used consistently, so I know what to expect - and which ones don’t work for me. Always pay close attention to photos. When it comes to boards, this topic gets more involved - a wider variety of woods, and the quality of the finish & finish options/upgrades/adjustments becomes really interesting…… Caveat emptor (but usually quite appreciative of the work I’ve received).
@Yenster1 one other thing, if you do not mind. Your language of argument is quite aggressive and ridiculing. I did not mind, as a debater, but some others might find it uncomfortable. You seemed to pacify a little when faced with more nuanced arguments. The more aggressive, accusatory parts were, I thought, largely unnecessary and problematic (though it wasn't important for me to point out).
I know my beliefs may have been frustrating for you, but I have tried to be objective. Honestly, I really appreciated the ideas you shared. I learnt much more than I could have expected. Your willingness and engagement is a gift to the online chess community.