A nice set of shell/slate stones continues to evade me in the used market, so I'm finally getting around to ordering a new set from either Kurokigoishi or Kiseido (through Yutopian, the US distributor).

Have any of you handled sets from both manufacturers? Thoughts on the two sets of stones? Any significant difference (besides price and the fact there is no NA distributor for Kurokigoishi)?

Reference links:
https://www.yutopian.com/yutop/cat?category=S
http://www.kurokigoishi.co.jp/english/o ... index.html

Although this answers your question only partly: I have size 34 std grade slate & shell stones from Kiseido, and I have no complaints about them. Although I have not seen the similar product from Mr Kuroki, I find it very hard to believe that they would differ in quality in any way.

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I have two sets of "B-grade" stones from Kuroki--these are stones that were tossed out of the normal sets because of minor flaws. As far as I can tell, the "B-grade" only applies to the white/shell stones; the black slate ones are just normal. I like them just fine. Judging from his B-grade stones, I suspect his typical sets are very high quality. The flaws on my B-grade stones include slightly misshaped stones (see Kuroki's page on the master stone for shapes that are tossed out), tiny specks, and some with fewer stripes. None are broken or have chips, nor are they really obviously misshaped--none of them are as extreme as the illustrations of imperfect stones on the page I linked.

I don't have experience with Kiseido's stones, but I imagine they are high quality as well.

If you want, we could send you some sample Hainan shell stones, as we have the samples packed (3 black and 3 white) and ready to add to our store as soon as there's time. Hainan shell is a different and much higher quality shell than the Mexican clamshell that many Go stones are made from these days.

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David

Go Game Guru: Learn Go | How to Get Better at Go | Go Game Shop | Go Boards | Baduk TV

Hi Strief,

My experience with Kiseido and Kuroki shell & slate stones:

Kiseido size 33 (9.2 mm) yuki (snow grade), 2006.

Kuroki size 36 (10.1 mm) yuki (snow grade), 2007.
Kuroki size 38 (10.7 mm) jitsuyo (standard grade), 2009.

All 3 sets are very beautiful.

I highly recommend Kuroki size 38 (10.7 mm) jitsuyo.

Hi David, where is the origin of the Hainan clam shells? In Hainan, China ?
Who is the manufacturer (craftsperson) of the Hainan shell stones? Thanks.

Hi Ed,

Did the other thing arrive safely?


Yes, from the ocean surrounding Hainan, in the South China Sea.


6 Brothers Baduk (the best manufacturer in Korea).

I added some more pictures, which we've been meaning to upload for awhile, here: http://shop.gogameguru.com/slate-and-sh ... -biconvex/

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David

Go Game Guru: Learn Go | How to Get Better at Go | Go Game Shop | Go Boards | Baduk TV

Very interesting & thank you ... I hadn't heard of the Hainan shell option before. I had only seen the Mexican clam options as well as the "Legendary Hyuga" Japanese clams on the Kuroki site. I was actually considering getting the outlet version of the Legendary Hyuga stones, but this adds a whole other dimension.

Thanks Ed, much appreciated. Interesting that you recommended the jitsuyo over the snow. Just for the size or you actually like the standard grade better?

Hi Strief, you're very welcome. For the size, I definitely like 38 over 36 -- huge difference, no comparison.
(BTW, size 38 is also Cho Chikun's favorite, I heard. )
Between yuki and jitsuyo, actually both are nice, in different ways.
Yuki really feels like snow, because the grains are very fine, so it's an almost-white feeling.
The grains in jitsuyo are much thicker and more pronounced, so that's another kind of beauty.
Since both yuki and jitsuyo look very nice to me, but the price difference is huge, I'm OK with Size 38 jitsuyo.

As a caveat, the one's size preference for go stones is a very personal thing. Some prefer thick stones with some heft to them, others are more comfortable with something lighter and more nimble. It's really something where you should try a few sizes out and see what you like.

Absolutely, would love to have access to multiple sets to get a feel for them.

I should be able to get my hands on approx size 30 shell stones today as after I started this thread I bought this used set from an ebay seller in Japan (less expensive than a brand new set and came with bowls):
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/181176411436
This will give me plenty of time to over-analyze a nice new set while learning about clams Or visit Japan / Korea to get a closer look.

I've handled NON shell/slate stones of a couple different sizes, mainly the inexpensive Chinese melamine stones that come in the straw bowls. I actually just received this set yesterday which will be a gift for my niece and nephew:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/231018093857
Wooden board, stones, and grass bowls for 50$. My colleague just did the Buy It Now option that gets you a set of wooden bowls thrown in for 20$ more.