New Kanayama - Surface imperfections

[KrytonsJaw]

Hey all,

A week ago I purchased a new Kanayama #3 strop from Aframes Tokyo. As some will know, Aframes Tokyo dispatch from Hawaii, and today I received my new strop here in the UK - Very quick delivery!

Upon unboxing the well packed strop, I was obviously delighted to be holding my first Kanayama. Unfortunately, closer inspection of the suede side revealed various nicks and imperfections, which I am obviously assuming are not normally present. The strop was sealed in a polythene bag, so I don't doubt that it is new, and the cordovan side of the strop is perfect - not a mark on it.

I read recently on Jim Rion's blog page (Eastern Smooth), that the reason he stopped selling Kanayama's back in 2012 was that increasingly a certain percentage of new stock that he received was not up to the standard normally expected of these fine strops - A problem that he attributed partly to the maker's increasing age.

The pictures below show the nicks/marks/imperfections, call them what you will. Basically I am a little stuck on what to do. If the strop had come to me from a UK vendor, I would have no hesitation in sending it back with a view to getting a replacement - but sending it all the way back to Hawaii is a bit of a pain.

The imperfections are aesthetic defects only, so I wonder if I should just forget they are there. Alternatively, Aframes Tokyo also sell the relevant linen side for this strop, which can be swapped with the suede side as and when desired - perhaps I should ask the vendor if he would do me a deal on the linen side?

Any advice appreciated!

Regards,

Al.