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Matcha Chasen Whisks?

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 14:34
by joelbct
Hello,

So while shoppping for Miso at my local Asian Grocery, I noticed they carry bamboo Chasen in their tea accessories section.

Is there any real reason to buy a $20 Chasen from O-Cha as opposed to a $10 Chasen (prob made in China) from my Asian Grocery?

BTW I am still loving me my Matcha... I am not especially lazy, but the fact of getting high quality tea without having to clean up wet leaf afterwards is a perk :)

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 14:57
by Chip
Interestingly, there was a discussion on this on the Green Tea Forum.

first topic

second topic Make sure you look at page two also.

So, I would get a Japanese one if at all possible. Oh, forgive Britts's tirade towards the end of the first post. He seems to have anger issues. Though he makes some good points. :roll:

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 16:17
by Wesli
If you're just starting it probably won't matter, but those China ones are usually worth much less than $10.

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 20:23
by joelbct
Chip wrote:So, I would get a Japanese one if at all possible. Oh, forgive Britts's tirade towards the end of the first post. He seems to have anger issues. Though he makes some good points. :roll:
LOL, hilarious! To quote:

"Support the communists and buy a $12.00 poison whisk that you will replace after making three bowls of matcha, if it doesn't kill you first."

Poison whisk!! I love it :)

Seriously though, I will prob just wait a week or two until I order from O-Cha again, and shell out the 27 bux for the Japanese whisk and 11 for the nifty whisk stand from the authentic craftsmen.

No communist death-whisks for me!!!!

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 20:42
by Chip
LOL...Britt is rather funny. A little over the top at times though. Even his compliments are angry...

angry compliment

But Britt is an infinite source of interestingly funny quotes. Of course if Britt ever reads this, my life will be forfeit. :shock:

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 21:17
by Space Samurai
My two chasen.

Image

The one on the left is from Japan, and the one on the right is Chinese.

They have had about the same amount of use, and they show wear and tear in different areas. The Japanese one has a more round shape, but the 20 extra tines may help with that.

Functionaly, they are about the same. I can't tell a difference, but a teamaster might. For only 10 bucks you would probably do all right.

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 21:28
by joelbct
Too late, I just ordered the Organic Kaoru Supreme Matcha and the Japanese Whisk from O-Cha.... So much for restraint and delayed gratification!

Even if they are functionally similar, at least I am, according to O-Cha, supporting traditional and noble Chasen-Craftsmen/Craftswomen:

Image

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 21:54
by joelbct
BTW, since Japan is 13 hours ahead, and it says my order was processed in the future, on Friday, the 11th, at 10:43am, does that mean they can send the tea back in time, so it gets here in the past?

That would be awesome....

Posted: Jan 10th, '08, 22:20
by Chip
The effect of quantum mechanics on matcha is yet to be determined. The effect of matcha from the past could upset the space time continuem.

Posted: Jan 11th, '08, 09:21
by Mary R
Space Samurai wrote:The Japanese one has a more round shape, but the 20 extra tines may help with that.
Did you actually count the tines?

*Bestows Tea Nerd Crown to thee* :D

Posted: Jan 11th, '08, 09:47
by Chip
They are usually sold with this relevant info. Like an 80 tine, 100 tine, etc.

Posted: Jan 11th, '08, 10:11
by Mary R
Okay, I'll take the Tea Dunce Cap and go sit in the corner. :oops:

Posted: Jan 11th, '08, 10:37
by Chip
Awwww, come on Mary, you are still our in house Miss know it all. :lol:

Posted: Jan 11th, '08, 10:40
by Mary R
Aw, thanks! I guess I'll come out of my corner now!

Posted: Jan 11th, '08, 14:44
by Salsero
I really want to taste some of this Matcha you guys are always talking about, but also I really do not want tackle that learning curve or do all that work!

By the way, Space, that photo of the two whisks may be the most drop dead gorgeous photo I have seen on any of the tea blogs yet!