Any body know of some one in the US who sells quality Mekugi? My local guy packed up and moved and I have no way of contacting him. I did find one guy who sells his on ebay for a buck a piece but they look pretty dry (He dyed them in tea to get the amber color...) Some one out of the country wouldnt be a problem, the closer the better though. Dont say use a chopstick, they are good for emergency repairs but not good for long term use .
Just go make one yourself from a small piece of bamboo. Even if they aren't used for a long term you can always replace them very cheap......
If you take some old (yellow) bamboo. Put in on the side of a grindstone and taper it a bit. Tap the whole length into the ana (hole). Mark off the sides then cut to trim and round of a bit. I put mine in a drop of oil. As long as its not green bamboo its ok. Hope that guy you mention isnt the one I sent a load of shinai tsuka
