Affordable authentic chasen

[absence]

I'm looking to buy my first chasen, and have understood that there are authentic ones made by Japanese craftsmen, and cheaper Chinese imitations of lower quality. I'm interested in the former, but would like to keep the price relatively low. I have looked at these two:

http://www.hibiki-an.com/product_info.p ... cts_id/354 (no information about supplier, but Hibiki-an seem respectable)

http://www.o-cha.com/green-tea/matcha-tea-whisk.html (fewer prongs than the 80 often mentioned as most common, how will it affect the result?)

Does anyone have experiences with these, or other suggestions?

[ole]

My first chasen was a Chinese made one. It didn't last too long. It could be a combination of poor workmanship, or just me being a noob and accidentally scratching it up on the inside of the chawan. The prongs got splinters very quickly nevertheless.
After that I bought a Japanese one, it is going on its 2nd year now with lot of use, and still looks great. It is resting in a holder when not in use, which I guess may also help prolong its life a little.

I know these are almost double the price from o-cha, and I haven't tried them myself - but I love the look of the dark one. Might be my next one. http://www.yuuki-cha.com/teaware/matcha ... cha-whisks

[absence]

I know these are almost double the price from o-cha, and I haven't tried them myself

Thanks, they are on the pricey side yes. Where is you Japanese chasen from?

[ole]

Mine is from o-cha as well.
Where I buy most of my matcha.

[absence]

Mine is from o-cha as well.

Ok. And the fewer-than-80 prongs is not a problem in any way?