JDM Putter Porn

My JDM putters Edel SUS303 (Art edge ring putter) , Kitada SUS303 (CPM-01R Center) Kitada golf design SM490A KG002F, Benock SUS303 (Arco) and Fujimoto Gikoh SM490A “Black Copper”.

J.I.S SUS303

As many already know Gold's Factory does many Scotty Cameron putter tune up's in Japan. People actually send in their circle T's for major modification. Some Cameron fan's fully trick out their GSS (German Stainless Steel) putters as well.

We already know that GSS is a version of 303 steel similar to what other putter makers such as Gold's Factory use for many of their putter models.

Master Sasaya wanted to find out exactly what the differences were between J.I.S grade SUS303 from his supplier and Scotty's GSS German Stainless 303.

The results of the testing out of a U.S based laboratory indeed show they are both 303.

The main and most important minerals to take note of here are Nickel and Chromium. These in higher amounts produce the rewarding feel people hold dear in SUS303 putters. It's interesting to see that both Nickel & Chromium are higher in the JIS 303 vs GSS303.

This test was not intended to criticize GSS Scotty Cameron quality but rather show how J.I.S JapanMade quality is to the world's highest standards.

Ultimate SM490A Feel

A key feature is it’s Material J.I.S SM490A. Stainless steel has been known to feel to firm while Carbon steel is known to feel too soft, SM490A is the ultimate compromise giving a dense and buttery vibration going from the head, through the shaft, and up to the hands.

Kitada x Seven VS-R putter

Kitada is a genius and modifies his own machines in a very different way you than you would see in a normal CNC shop. He only makes golf clubs and the machines he uses are old classics of the Japan milling industry no longer available. It’s not a pristine factory it’s a traditional Japanese Himeji factory. We love this about him, CNC shops today are abundant you can be well funded and not duplicate the type of factory that Kitada-san has created over decades of use.

Fujimoto Gikoh

The history of Fujimoto Gikoh begins with a simple, yet apt analogy – a tree with three branches. The three boys who would eventually become the patriarchs of JDM equipment enterprises Kyoei, Miura, and Fujimoto not only grew up in the same small area of western Japan (Ichikawa) – they’re blood-related. The exact lineage isn’t entirely clear, but while they are at least a step removed from siblings, some level of close relation makes sense. Ichikawa is roughly 350 miles west of Tokyo and is typified by a small population with several generations continuing to occupy approximately the same geographic area as predecessors. The familial connection isn’t essential to establish credibility, but because there’s an element of truth it, it’s both novel and interesting for those who fancy themselves experts on all things JDM.

As a company, the history of Fujimoto Ginkoh dates to the early 1960s when Japan was working to recover from WWII. During the war period, gifted blacksmiths – technically swordsmiths – were directed by the government to focus their skills on making weapons for the war effort. Making anything else – namely forged golf equipment – was banned by the Japanese government. Katanas and other swords held value as sacred art treasures for the Japanese, and in the secondary collectible market, which still exists to some degree today, a sword’s value depended largely upon the artisan of record. Though rare, some blades reached into the mid-six figures at auction with entire collections selling for several million dollars.

Benock ARCO

The ARCO is made for the player who is hypercritical about shape, balance, roll, and technology. When all aspects of the process from design to manufacturing is complete, the result is the perfect center shaft putting experience.

The ARCO is made using state of the art 5-axis milling machines with micro milling technology and support fromNSToolCompany. Made entirely of Japan Grade SUS303 the ARCO is the most precise center shaft putter ever produced in the golf industry. Nothing beats Benock.

The face milling design of the ARCO putter has been years in the making by Jun Okuda owner and designer of Benock Putters. This is his softest feeling face milling pattern to date designed to help the ball roll a little further with a shorter stroke and repel the adverse effects of moisture on the face or ball.

The ARCO’s details are stunning from every angle. Not a single edge is hand polished the entire head, and all of its beautiful curves are micro-milled.

Edel “Art Edge Rings”

It is a pin type putter created by Edel only in an extremely limited number, and the neck is a welded neck, which is a tour specification putter that has been finished very beautifully. 

The welding neck is used only for special models such as Scotty Cameron's Circle T, and it is a specification that can be seen only in expensive putters.

Many Edel putters are toe-balanced, but this one has the same heel-toe balance as regular pin-type putters

Like the Kitada center shaft, but no way would I game a putter with a "Circle K" logo on it. People in the US would think I bought it at a gas station.

Very interesting information, thanks for taking the time to explain the differences in processes.