(The following discussion has been moved from the article page:)

Japan4: Can anyone speak about the quality of the Samarkand Jitsuyo Grade slate and shell stones? They are really inexpensive for real shell and slate. Are they a good deal? I would love a set of real shell and slate stones but they all seem so expensive.

jfc: I have a set of slate and shell from Samarkand and I am happy with them. Sure, you could get clamshell stones with a lot more regularity and consistency of grain but then you will have to pay lot more money for them.

Thanks.