Ooh rah! I'm a Wood Wright and have an extensive collection of hand tools I use for joinery, in the traditional ways.

Alaskan?

Still do both in our new shop....when we aren't out at the site framing, doing exterior and interior trim.

Dovetail joints i only seen in antique furniture, especially in the drawer front faces. I'm guessing this type of joint was invented when nails (steel) was scarced, thus this joint requires no nails, in fact, it may require no glue neighter. It's a strong joint and kudos to your cabinetmaker for making them

I'm not ashamed to admit that i cannot do dovetail joints....very hard to do..i do wood work otherwise, but dovetails' ? Nope, I can't do them