This is from Koetsu, someone I'm personally familiar with. He was highly regarded by the tool shop I frequented. I've cleaned it to remove dirt, but it's an old base, so it's less likely to warp. Even new ones can have rust on the blade if they're old, and in severe cases, the blade can become stuck and won't come out. This one also had some rust, so I've removed the dirt and wiped it with oil, so please rest assured. Please refrain from price negotiations, except for bulk purchases. Also, please consult with me in advance for bulk purchases.