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It was discouraging enough when Nakaya announced that they no longer would be taking orders for the dorsal fin models. Now I discover that the Shiro-tamenuri finish, the most beautiful one they make, will no longer be available. They seem determined to sell only what is common or ugly. It's difficult enough to commit to a Nakaya when it's almost impossible to see or hold one without traveling to Japan. I did get to write for a few seconds with a Naka-ai at the DC show, thanks to the generosity of its owner, and it was marvelous, but it's the only one I've ever laid hands on. I have heard all sorts of excuses for the discontinuation of the dorsal fins, most of them having to do with the long waiting time. Guess what, guys, people are willing to wait, and they are willing to pay what the traffic will bear. Nakaya's motto implies that they do custom work, "for your hand only," but all we seem to hear nowadays is that they're not willing to make something. Perhaps Nakaya should limit itself to portables in Aka-Tamenuri with medium nibs. At least then we would know what to expect.