If there's anyone out there in Europe, who's seriously currently looking for a replacement for their Shakehand Hinoki one ply blade, then send me a PM, as I may be able to help.
Just last week I send a shipment of Sköllas (a Shakehand one-ply blade of my own design and development) off to my European stockist. (His name's Peter Aird, he's a good mate of mine.)
Peter's a fellow hinoki one-ply fanatic much like the rest of us, but he stopped using them years back because he grew sick of them snapping in half on him.
On trying out one of my one Skölla one plys late last year however, not only did he then immediately buy three of them on the spot purely for his own use, but he also asked if I would allow him to purchase them from me directly in bulk on an ongoing basis, all so he could sell them for a bit of beer money, while he's travelling across Europe from one tournament to another.
I told him sure, no problem... And that's basically what he's been doing ever since.
He's currently in Rome playing at the Word Masters Championships. As far as I know, he had the latest shipment of Skölla's there with him. They're all fantastic blades, but one of them is honestly probably the fastest, spinniest one-ply of any wood type I have ever seen anywhere.... The piece of wood it's made from is just that good.
I'm not trying to boast or turn this thread into a sales pitch for my product.... truly I'm not.
I'm just trying to point out the future of one ply blades is anything but dark right now, if you're willing to divorce yourself from the notion they **must** be made of Hinoki or cypress, if they're going to be any good.
Because that whole idea is complete poppycock sorry. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm also merely trying here - quite sincerely - to point out you don't need to take my word on this claim either. If you're currently playing in Rome, you can experience one of the potential Hinoki alternatives for yourself, and make up your own mind.
Right now there's a one-ply loving Scotsman, playing TT in Rome, who has six concrete examples in his possession, of blades that demonstrate many of the potential concerns expressed in this thread, about the future of one ply blades in general, are all quite delightfully and deliciously moot.
Send me a pm and I'll give you his contact details.