On November 8, 2016 the voters of Oregon passed Measure 100, which bans the sale and purchase of elephant ivory and other animal parts. Listed with these animals are sting rays, the skin of which is called same or same-kawa in Japanese.
This material has been used for wrapping handles and covering scabbards for over 1000 years in Japan, as well as elsewhere. Like rawhide, it is strong and visually appealing, and provides a non-slip hand hold.
In order to comply with this new law we regret that as of June 30, 2017 we will no longer offer handles or other parts incorporating ray skin.
We are currently investigating and experimenting with other materials that will provide the strength and beauty of ray skin.