It shouldn't surprise me at this point, yet I'm still amazed by Paul's excellent service. I placed my order late Monday night/early Tuesday morning and it arrived at my door early Thursday morning -- one day before Christmas! I was a bit worried, as my purchase was for a Japanese waterstone for sharpening knives. These things are very delicate. However, it made it through express shipping practises to arrive in perfect condition... no chips, co cracks, nice and flat. Paul, thanks for the Naniwa Chosera 1000 grit stone. I'm very excited to put it to work over the holiday season.