High quality same

[shakudo]

Hi All,

I have purchased same from Namikawa Heibei and have tried to choose best skins but I have never seen the quality of these old examples- especially the centre tsuka! Does anyone know of other suppliers for same ? Or are these old ones representative of what used to be available?

Many thanks to one and all and continued gratitude to Brian, thanks mate.

[Brian]

Hard to find, and they become very expensive with large emperor nodes.
Best to email Namikawa and ask if they don't have any very high end samekawa put aside. Sometimes they have stuff they don't advertise.

[shakudo]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for reply and never thought of asking for ' better' quality that they hold back on- but now that you mention it that completely makes sense! 

All the best

[Bazza]

Mike,  G'day...

 

A bell rang in the back of my head reading many years ago that some larger nodules may in fact be carved whalebone glued in...

 

BaZZa.

[Brian]

Some..yip.

[1kinko]

Try Karyo Dumadi on Facebook. He has different sizes of fresh skins of several different skate species and his prices are lower. Send him a picture of what you want.

[shakudo]

Hi Bazza,

Yes I have come across those aswell- sadly!

Darryl,

Many thanks for the contact, Ill get in touch- really appreciate it👍

Cheers.

[Stephen]

Check with Bob Benson he has at times a good selection. 

 

[shakudo]

Many thanks Stephen, didnt think of Bob.

Cheers