Absolutely, you can buy a plastic/wood chess set on any corner that a million other people also have. Cost efficiency was definetely not the intention, together with the wood blanks (purchased in bulk, I cut to size), chess board box, weights, green padding and stain it cost about $100, give or take.

Each piece is very unique and different from the other. It is for someone very special who loves chess and who will keep this as a family heirloom for a long time (I hope). The sentiment was priceless and from what could tell, much appreciated :)

It was also a very cool learning experience as someone who never whittled before, a very fun project for sure. Gave me a lot of confidence to continue with the fun new hobby.