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The Craftsman Knight Staunton is a hand carved wooden set for players who want full board presence without moving up to solid ebony. The 99mm king reads clearly from across the table, and the pattern is built around its knight, which is where most of the carving work in a Staunton set actually shows. These sit in the upper middle of our chess pieces collection.
Two timbers are offered here. The ebonised option pairs deep black dyed boxwood against natural boxwood, so the grain stays faintly visible through the colour in a way that solid ebony never allows. The sheesham option uses Dalbergia sissoo, a dense Indian rosewood with a warm reddish brown figure that shifts as the light moves across it.
Thirty four chessmen come with each set, including a second queen in each colour, so a promotion never leaves anyone reaching for an upturned rook. Total weight across the roster is roughly 1270 grams.
Most Staunton patterns at this scale settle for a simple stylised knight, because a properly carved head is slow work. The Craftsman knight is cut with a defined mane, a shaped muzzle and an open mouth, and that head is the clearest single marker of hand finishing on a wooden set.
Set against solid ebony reproductions, this one is more accessible and more forgiving. Ebonised boxwood will show a deep scratch as pale wood where ebony would not, though it also holds its shape well through a dry Australian summer. Sheesham splits the difference again, offering natural colour in the timber rather than colour applied to it.
For a wider view of the patterns offered at this king height, browse our Staunton chess pieces range.
The knight is the test piece on any Staunton design. Here the mane is cut as individual locks rather than suggested with a single groove, and the muzzle is shaped rather than flattened off. The bishops carry a clean mitre cut and the rook crenellations are square and even instead of being rounded away by sanding.
Boxwood is the reason that detail survives. It is a tight, close grained timber with almost no visible pore structure, so a fine cut stays crisp rather than tearing out along the grain. The same density is why boxwood takes a deep polish and why it has been the standard light timber for carved chessmen for well over a century.
The set totals approximately 1270 grams across thirty four pieces, which places it in moderate weighting territory. Pieces settle when they are put down and they will not skate across a felt topped board, but they do not carry the loaded heft of a fully weighted FIDE tournament set.
The 42mm king base is the figure that matters most in fast play. Against a 99mm height that is a broad footing, and it is what keeps the tallest piece upright when a sleeve or a hand brushes the board during a time scramble.
Square size, not overall board size, is what decides a good fit. These pieces want squares between 55mm and 60mm, which is the standard tournament range and the size most full size wooden boards are cut to.
The working guide is that a king base should cover roughly three quarters of the square, leaving enough room for a captured piece to sit alongside without crowding. At 42mm against a 55mm square that lands almost exactly right. Every board in our chess boards collection lists its square size, so the match can be checked before anything is ordered.
The 99mm king sits on a 42mm base, a wide footing for that height, and the carved Craftsman knight is the real reason to take this pattern over a plainer Staunton at the same scale. The caveat is weight. Roughly 1270 grams across thirty four chessmen is moderate rather than heavy, so anyone accustomed to a fully loaded tournament set will find these lighter in the hand than they expect.
They suit club and home players who already own a full size board cut to 55mm or 60mm squares. They are the wrong choice for a compact folding board, where the pieces will simply not fit the squares.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Club players and home players who want a hand carved wooden set at full tournament scale. The 99mm king and the carved knight also make them a sound gift for someone who plays regularly, because the quality of the carving is visible without needing any knowledge of chess to appreciate it.
Between 55mm and 60mm. The 42mm king base covers roughly three quarters of a 55mm square, which leaves enough room to set a captured piece alongside. Squares under 50mm will feel crowded, and above 60mm the pieces start to look undersized.
No. On the ebonised option the dark pieces are boxwood that has been dyed black, which is why a faint grain stays visible under the colour. On the sheesham option the dark pieces are sheesham, an Indian rosewood carrying its own natural reddish brown figure. Neither option is solid ebony and neither is described as such.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, since dry heat is what causes turned hardwood to check and crack. Dust with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid household cleaners and water altogether. An occasional wipe with a little furniture wax keeps the boxwood looking fresh.
They sit above the plain machine turned Staunton sets on carving quality, and below the solid ebony reproductions on material. To see the full range of timbers side by side, our wood chess pieces collection is the place to start.
No. This listing covers the chess pieces on their own. Neither a board nor a storage box is included, so a board will be needed to play on if there is not already one at home.
Spec |
Detail |
Style |
Staunton, Craftsman Knight pattern |
King height |
99 mm (3.9 in) |
King base diameter |
42 mm (1.68 in) |
Queen height and base |
82 mm (3.25 in) height, 39 mm (1.5 in) base |
Bishop height and base |
72 mm (2.84 in) height, 36 mm (1.4 in) base |
Knight height and base |
68 mm (2.69 in) height, 36 mm (1.41 in) base |
Rook height and base |
58 mm (2.31 in) height, 35 mm (1.41 in) base |
Pawn height and base |
49 mm (1.92 in) height, 31 mm (1.22 in) base |
Dark piece material |
Ebonised boxwood or sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), by option selected |
Light piece material |
Natural boxwood |
Piece count |
34 chessmen, including 2 extra queens |
Set weight |
Approximately 1270 g, plus or minus 10% |
Recommended square size |
55 mm to 60 mm (2.2 in to 2.36 in) |
Material options |
Ebonised, Sheesham |
32 chess pieces in ebonised boxwood or sheesham, paired with natural boxwood
2 extra queens, one per colour
Chess board not included
Storage box not included
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
The Craftsman Knight Staunton is a hand carved wooden set for players who want full board presence without moving up to solid ebony. The 99mm king reads clearly from across the table, and the pattern is built around its knight, which is where most of the carving work in a Staunton set actually shows. These sit in the upper middle of our chess pieces collection.
Two timbers are offered here. The ebonised option pairs deep black dyed boxwood against natural boxwood, so the grain stays faintly visible through the colour in a way that solid ebony never allows. The sheesham option uses Dalbergia sissoo, a dense Indian rosewood with a warm reddish brown figure that shifts as the light moves across it.
Thirty four chessmen come with each set, including a second queen in each colour, so a promotion never leaves anyone reaching for an upturned rook. Total weight across the roster is roughly 1270 grams.
Most Staunton patterns at this scale settle for a simple stylised knight, because a properly carved head is slow work. The Craftsman knight is cut with a defined mane, a shaped muzzle and an open mouth, and that head is the clearest single marker of hand finishing on a wooden set.
Set against solid ebony reproductions, this one is more accessible and more forgiving. Ebonised boxwood will show a deep scratch as pale wood where ebony would not, though it also holds its shape well through a dry Australian summer. Sheesham splits the difference again, offering natural colour in the timber rather than colour applied to it.
For a wider view of the patterns offered at this king height, browse our Staunton chess pieces range.
The knight is the test piece on any Staunton design. Here the mane is cut as individual locks rather than suggested with a single groove, and the muzzle is shaped rather than flattened off. The bishops carry a clean mitre cut and the rook crenellations are square and even instead of being rounded away by sanding.
Boxwood is the reason that detail survives. It is a tight, close grained timber with almost no visible pore structure, so a fine cut stays crisp rather than tearing out along the grain. The same density is why boxwood takes a deep polish and why it has been the standard light timber for carved chessmen for well over a century.
The set totals approximately 1270 grams across thirty four pieces, which places it in moderate weighting territory. Pieces settle when they are put down and they will not skate across a felt topped board, but they do not carry the loaded heft of a fully weighted FIDE tournament set.
The 42mm king base is the figure that matters most in fast play. Against a 99mm height that is a broad footing, and it is what keeps the tallest piece upright when a sleeve or a hand brushes the board during a time scramble.
Square size, not overall board size, is what decides a good fit. These pieces want squares between 55mm and 60mm, which is the standard tournament range and the size most full size wooden boards are cut to.
The working guide is that a king base should cover roughly three quarters of the square, leaving enough room for a captured piece to sit alongside without crowding. At 42mm against a 55mm square that lands almost exactly right. Every board in our chess boards collection lists its square size, so the match can be checked before anything is ordered.
The 99mm king sits on a 42mm base, a wide footing for that height, and the carved Craftsman knight is the real reason to take this pattern over a plainer Staunton at the same scale. The caveat is weight. Roughly 1270 grams across thirty four chessmen is moderate rather than heavy, so anyone accustomed to a fully loaded tournament set will find these lighter in the hand than they expect.
They suit club and home players who already own a full size board cut to 55mm or 60mm squares. They are the wrong choice for a compact folding board, where the pieces will simply not fit the squares.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Club players and home players who want a hand carved wooden set at full tournament scale. The 99mm king and the carved knight also make them a sound gift for someone who plays regularly, because the quality of the carving is visible without needing any knowledge of chess to appreciate it.
Between 55mm and 60mm. The 42mm king base covers roughly three quarters of a 55mm square, which leaves enough room to set a captured piece alongside. Squares under 50mm will feel crowded, and above 60mm the pieces start to look undersized.
No. On the ebonised option the dark pieces are boxwood that has been dyed black, which is why a faint grain stays visible under the colour. On the sheesham option the dark pieces are sheesham, an Indian rosewood carrying its own natural reddish brown figure. Neither option is solid ebony and neither is described as such.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, since dry heat is what causes turned hardwood to check and crack. Dust with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid household cleaners and water altogether. An occasional wipe with a little furniture wax keeps the boxwood looking fresh.
They sit above the plain machine turned Staunton sets on carving quality, and below the solid ebony reproductions on material. To see the full range of timbers side by side, our wood chess pieces collection is the place to start.
No. This listing covers the chess pieces on their own. Neither a board nor a storage box is included, so a board will be needed to play on if there is not already one at home.
Spec |
Detail |
Style |
Staunton, Craftsman Knight pattern |
King height |
99 mm (3.9 in) |
King base diameter |
42 mm (1.68 in) |
Queen height and base |
82 mm (3.25 in) height, 39 mm (1.5 in) base |
Bishop height and base |
72 mm (2.84 in) height, 36 mm (1.4 in) base |
Knight height and base |
68 mm (2.69 in) height, 36 mm (1.41 in) base |
Rook height and base |
58 mm (2.31 in) height, 35 mm (1.41 in) base |
Pawn height and base |
49 mm (1.92 in) height, 31 mm (1.22 in) base |
Dark piece material |
Ebonised boxwood or sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), by option selected |
Light piece material |
Natural boxwood |
Piece count |
34 chessmen, including 2 extra queens |
Set weight |
Approximately 1270 g, plus or minus 10% |
Recommended square size |
55 mm to 60 mm (2.2 in to 2.36 in) |
Material options |
Ebonised, Sheesham |
32 chess pieces in ebonised boxwood or sheesham, paired with natural boxwood
2 extra queens, one per colour
Chess board not included
Storage box not included
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
