Thanks everyone. David and Tom are both great to work with and having these guys do work I'm not so great at really allows me more time to get creative and do things I've really wanted to do. The boxes are something I have been wanting to do for a long time and really focusing on my blade designs and sharpening is also nice. We are going to get better and better.
As for the wood, I picked up the Maple Burl from some of my grandfather's old stash and had it stabilized (Do try Alpha for more.) The Koa is actually from another supplier in WA named Steve Hughes, but Alpha does have a nice selection. The Ivory on the butt of the chef is also from Alpha.
I'll get the Damascus short sword up here pretty soon as well for you to check out.
-m