Japanese polishing stones

[Sando]

FWIW,

I was cruising around and found someone on ebay selling japanese polishing stones. Cool. I've always thought about buying from Japan, but the shipping was cheaper here.

OK $500 for a natural stone. Boy they're getting pricey!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3722769178&ssPageName=MERC_VI

Hmmmm. here's the usual seller of stones:

http://www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/cgi-bin/item_e.cgi?cate=9&no=6

45,000 yen is about $400. Then I noticed the pics and specs are the same! Then I looked at some sold out stones and this guy's offerings.

Based on his near 100% positive feedback and all the 'SOLD' stones on the Japanese site, it appears he's buying up all the natural stones and e-baying them.

Don't begrudge the guy a few $$ at all. But it does show just how few natural stones are left.

Considering that certain phases of sword polishing require natural stones makes you wonder how many years the tradition has left.

Steve

 

[Mike Hull]

Steve, If you need some Uchigumori-do, let me know. I have some smaller pieces that I bought years ago, and never used. $65.00 for all, shipped.

Those are used on the fingertip, glued to a piece of rice paper etc. Like spit shining a boot.

 

[Sando]

Mike,

You're gonna get mail!

Steve

 

[anvilring]

I'm think'n boutit............ Sometimes I own something just becauxez........