Update: after my original review, customer support reached out to make things right. I already knew they were all unique due to being handmade so quality could vary; & apparently the first one i got was just kind of a dud. They got ahold of the factory and got some pictures sent over to verify a replacement one prior to sending it out. The 2nd one being even bigger/ more robust than my old one even! I'm not one to shy away from admitting i was wrong; or to not give praise where it's deserved. They stepped up big time & exceeded the standards I previously had for them. Love the new benkei & can now happily retire my old one.
The new boxes though, those..... are fragile. But we aren't buying these for the containers they come in am I right?
Overall; great bracelet & shockingly even greater customer support. See you guys again in 3-5 years when this one heads towards its retirement!