[Chimensch]

You may recall that OLD_SCHOOL had offered to send one of his natural Japanese hones around for people to try. The program was restricted to members in the US only. Evenutally it died for lack of interest and I griped to him here that the idea would have succeeded if it weren't so restrictive. Now, OLD_SCHOOL has agreed that he will bring the program back for Europe if ten members indicate their interest. I am interested and I'm hoping that there are at least 9 other people in Europe that are interested in trying out these exceptional stones. If you are interested, please go to the thread in the above link and indicate your interest.

[Bart]

I had already posted my European interest in the original thread.
When I realized that the thread was going nowhere, I decided to dig in deep and ordered a Nakayama from OLD_SCHOOL. According to the trace information, my package is at the moment "Awaiting presentation to customs commissioner" in Brussels. I expect it to arrive within a day or two.
Hence, I'm not anymore in need so much of renting a Japanese hone, but if this ends up "one man short", than I 'll be happy to join in. It'll be a good excuse to compare both hones.

Bart.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

One thing I forgot, have you taken into account, the possibility of customs taxes? Not sure how taxes work in the EU, but in my mind I am thinking, sending it from country to country within the EU will end up with a customs tax.

Just a thought. Obviously you will know better on that subject.

[Chimensch]

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

One thing I forgot, have you taken into account, the possibility of customs taxes? Not sure how taxes work in the EU, but in my mind I am thinking, sending it from country to country within the EU will end up with a customs tax.

Just a thought. Obviously you will know better on that subject.

From country to country within the EU, no, but the first time in might trigger a tax. It all depends on the declared value. What's an old, chipped and banged-up stone worth?

[Russel Baldridge]

I think if you label it a "gift" they can't tax it, but I don't know for sure.

[Chimensch]

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I think if you label it a "gift" they can't tax it, but I don't know for sure.

When my daughter sends me stuff from home, it's never taxed, probably because it isn't packaged like it came from a company. If it's professionally packed with a shipping document in a plastic envelope, etc., it's sure to attract attention from customs.

[OLD_SCHOOL]

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I think if you label it a "gift" they can't tax it, but I don't know for sure.

I always write gift, but in the EU a number of folks have been taxed. One time, I got requested an invoice for Germany, even though I had sent hones there no probs. Switzerland require a invoice that gets filled out at the post office. So in other words, gift does 1/10 sweet FA.

Originally Posted by Chimensch

When my daughter sends me stuff from home, it's never taxed, probably because it isn't packaged like it came from a company. If it's professionally packed with a shipping document in a plastic envelope, etc., it's sure to attract attention from customs.

Usually packed in a brown cardboard box. I imaging its the packing slip, or company that gets attention.

We'll just have to make sure your the first to get the hone then Chimensch.

[Bruno]

You have to be careful with the 'gift' thing because if they catch you doing that, you can get severe penalties. This is why e.g. Tony Miller doesn't do that. You're effectively commiting fraud, and because you use the postal system to do so, they can really nail you.
Belgium doesn't care much, but I read that in the US and the UK they are really starting to pay attention to this backdoor.

How your package gets treated depends country per country.

[Viktor]

Please read articles 29, 30 and 31 here. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Viktor