Well, where to start. If packaging was anything to go by, then I was up for confirmation of my peaking expectations. The box in which the set was shipped was half the size of a small shipping container. I am kidding, of course, but the packaging certainly did justice to the precious cargo inside.
These Tasai mokume bench chisels are certainly the pinnacle of my 'collecting' ambition. Yes, that is correct, an ordinary citizen might be tempted to actually use these chisels; and a superb job they would do. However, I see this as an investment. The quality and presentation are outstanding. The workmanship, that I can only guess at, as detailed in the JTA listing suggests a degree of sophistication that is likely unmatched. In my research before committing I have found other offerings. None I saw as matching this set. While in some cases the asking price was near equal, in one case I came across a vintage set, of kind of 'ordinary' execution, but with a price tag that would make your eyes water. Which does get me back to the notion of an investment, rather than an every day use kind of purchase.
In another case, and referring to the very same set of Tasai mokume chisels, not only was it presented very carelessly, but I was told on asking for some higher quality images, that the set had been sold. Additionally, the comment was made the they were unlikely to be able to restock this set owing to the fact that the artisan mainly responsible for their creation was only doing a very limited number each year. Need I say more about 'investment grade'?
And then, of course, there is the business - JTA - and their offerings. While I am surely a very small customer, anything I ever bought is of outstanding quality. I am particularly enamoured with their high precision drill bits. These cut with an accuracy that even my routers will not achieve. The one other offering I will mention are tapered drill bits and japances tapered wood pins to go with these. They are just a ripper addition to my tool box.
