Somewhat lightweight (132g) compared to tamps that are mostly metal, this tamp helps me remember to lighten up on my tamping pressure. Shaped wood all the way down to the precision machined steel tamping surface, for which a replacement can be ordered if you should dent or mangle it somehow. Not much risk of that I suppose, but how often do you see a tool supported with replacement bits like that? Meanwhile, the wood finish is even and smooth with no rough grain anywhere despite the compound curves that require exposed end grain somewhere. Expert woodworkers know how to deal with end grain better than I do because this walnut finish has a perfect matte glow throughout. They tell me it is a cured bees wax finish. Great to hold and work with, it's easy to underestimate the pleasure of working with good tools. Curiosity and google lead me to discover Saint Anthony Industries tools are made by craftspeople in a shop in a western US city.