The pain is, you have to be in this game for several years before you find out who's who. I could show you a few "reputable" sellers' recent dealings to make your stomache turn... as I'm sure any senior member here could... but we don't do it, because it's none of our business. I like to think the truth has a way of emerging on its own, while gentlemen remain gentleman. And anyway, this is a hobby for me, which I'd like to keep drama-free.

Bottom line is, buy with knowledge and some kind of money-back guarantee, if you want specific stones, and be done with it. Folks like myself, who just like to mess around with rocks, need to evaluate several aspects of these blind purchases: if it's too soft, do I have some other use for it, or know others who may? Do I need 3 more tomo nagura, or do I know people who may like some? What if it's a door stop, do I have the right door to compliment it? Etc.... then put the risk into figures.

Say you gamble 4x for $200, and score once. I mean you score a rock out of this world, that has everything you need (minus the ink). Wasted $600, but if you'd gone and spent $800 on a money-back-guaranteed rock you liked from a good dealer, you're either out $800 and very happy with your new stone, or return the rock and get your cash back... just one simple case scenario. I go with option #1 and I've done well for the most part, but many folks go with option #2.