There are a couple in Argentina. Jorge Hirsch of Ajedrez Hirsch, and Alejo Peon Avanza also.
Here is an example of Jorge’s work, which he made for me. The finish is as smooth and silky as that of my Noj sets.
And here is some of Alejo’s work. He works solesly with a pocketknife and sandpaper, but his work is heavily weighted and massive. It needs a 2–3/4” board for those knights…
Great question, and one I have pondered myself. There is another thread here about a French manufacturer.- Tourniere Roz or something like that.
Do you have a budget in mind? There's Jim Arnold from Illinois if you're interested in a chess set custom made in the USA. Many of his commissioned chess sets are large figural sets for display. But I think it's mainly because of his clientele. It's all custom, so I'm guessing he's fine with turning pretty much any type of set you wanted. Something like this is in the $750 range.
@madmacsback - like Jorge's work but never found a way to order. Does he have a site or means of contacting him?
@madmacsback - like Jorge's work but never found a way to order. Does he have a site or means of contacting him?
@stumOnner, he can be found on Facebook at Ajedrez Hirsch. He communicates by Facebook Messenger, accepts Paypal, and ships by DHL. He communicates really well throughout the production process, and sends pics throughout. He’s wonderful to deal with, and his prices are very reasonable for what you get.
Thanks madmacsback I contacted him requesting details. Are his sets naturally weighted? if so would you recommend unweighted? just wondering about the playability. I dont like over weighted sets.
Coincidentally, I literally just received shipment of a custom made chess set from Peruvian craftsman "Incaisa." He has a Facebook presence. It's still in the shipping box. Will post a thorough review this weekend, or Monday.
Thanks madmacsback I contacted him requesting details. Are his sets naturally weighted? if so would you recommend unweighted? just wondering about the playability. I dont like over weighted sets.
His sets are large (4” Kings) but naturally weighted for their size. My set is ebony and ash, and the ebony pieces are somewhat heavier than the white side. Nowhere near as heavy as Mr. Avanza’s stuff.
Do you have a budget in mind? There's Jim Arnold from Illinois if you're interested in a chess set custom made in the USA. Many of his commissioned chess sets are large figural sets for display. But I think it's mainly because of his clientele. It's all custom, so I'm guessing he's fine with turning pretty much any type of set you wanted. Something like this is in the $750 range.
No budget in mind, my interest was piqued by Biro Sandor and I just wanted to see what else was out there. Hirsch in Argentina sounds interesting, and those Peruvian pieces… keep us updated!
Coincidentally, I literally just received shipment of a custom made chess set from Peruvian craftsman "Incaisa." He has a Facebook presence. It's still in the shipping box. Will post a thorough review this weekend, or Monday.
After your magnificent review, I ordered a set from Incaisa, with smaller rooks and in black instead of natural finish. Everything else is just like your set!
Coincidentally, I literally just received shipment of a custom made chess set from Peruvian craftsman "Incaisa." He has a Facebook presence. It's still in the shipping box. Will post a thorough review this weekend, or Monday.
After your magnificent review, I ordered a set from Incaisa, with smaller rooks and in black instead of natural finish. Everything else is just like your set!
Excelente! I was able to determine, Incaisa is a small family owned woodshop deeply involved with local chess tournaments and the community in Peru. I wish I spoke Spanish to learn more about them. They use a local wood called Capirona for the pieces. Enjoy the set!
I’ve drooled over various chess sets and pieces, and have a JLP 2” square chessboard enroute.
I’m also on the list for a Noj set, and found that Biro Sandor is making a beautiful Hungarian/Romanian style chess set, which I’ve ordered.
This sparked my curiosity, what other “quality” sets are being made out there by craftsmen other than those in India? I’m aware of the Chavet and other style in Jura wood made in France, but the quality of those seems quite low. Any other interesting woodworkers out there?