Best source for ito, menuki, and ray skin

[bjalongi]

Hey,

I've searched quite a bit on the net, and I'm not sure what companies offering menuki and silk ito are legit. Many have cheezy websites, which worries me a bit.

Where do you buy your japanese knife/sword supplies? I'm looking for economical and quality sources.

Thanks in advance...

Brook

 

[A C Richards]

Try Fred Lohman in Portland Oregon. Not to sure about economical. he does have authentic supplies though.

 

[Luke Sheridan]

namikawa are very good to deal with, fast shipping(from japan) and good products, including silk ito, whole samekawa and a small selection of menuki

http://www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/cgi-bin/list_e.cgi

 

[82Stang]

http://www.knifehandles.com

I haven't used them yet, but I am planning on buying some coral handle material from them this summer. They also have a link for exotic leathers, including stingray.

 

[Lynn Westfall]

Try Ben Kreiser at www.japaneseswordsltd.com. I bought some about a year ago. Good quality and prices.

 

[burke531]

Mike at shadow of leaves; www.shadowofleaves.com has everything that you need. He is basicly an importer for namikawa and has pretty much everything that they have. You have to order through e mail or online though because mike is very hard of hearing. I have ordered from him several times and always got good service. you can pay through pay pal.

 

[bjalongi]

outstanding! Thanks to all who responded!

 

[AcridSaint]

Check out Adam Unlimited for ray skin. Afik, he has the best selection of quality pelts.

 

[DC KNIVES]

These people have some great stingray and good prices. Just picked up some yesterday.Dave


http://ostrichmarket.com/

 

[matt venier]

I've used both Fred Lohman and Shadow of Leaves and can recommend both. Sometimes one has something and the other doesn't or just differrent.

Matt