I think this is the best place to post this. I just got back from my first trip to New York City, complete with a stop by Tools for Working Wood. I would suggest anyone interested in hand tools to go there if they ever visit NYC. I went in just to check things out and maybe buy a gouge - well, I left with more than that.
I was like a kid in a candy store. I think I finally understand why my wife likes shopping. Man, was it fun.
Their showroom was complete with two workbenches and they had plenty of wood to experiment with. Even though they were super busy with Christmas shipments, Joel was very helpful showing me how to use the saws (I'm no good with a handsaw yet). He even brought several things out of storage for me to try out. I ended up with a book, rasp, saw kit, and a couple of gouges. I would highly recommend stopping by if you are in the area. I hope I get to go back one day. There really are not very many places where you can lay hands on so many high quality hand tools.