Craftsmanship in Wood

I thought my new chisel was lovely. I am officially jealous. What a set.

Well, it turns out that Watanabe-san made an error and the chisel box is not wide enough to fit the larger chisels without chopping their handles down. So, he's going to make another box for me. It's nice that the smith made the box and signs it as well, and I'm content to wait until the new box is made.

I'm wondering how you will set the hoops on these. For my recent Kikuhiromaru with gumi handles, the wood has been easy to peen that I lucked out and did not need water at all.

Upon inspecting my tasai chisels I think they set them dry as well, it shows no water marks or anything of that sort.

Water? What do you use that for?

Chisels are new en route from Japan. I am sure they will be worth the wait and excited to receive them.