Would you say that the more recent red beads you show in this discussion would stil be made from horse molars?
I have no idea on what scale these are produced, but if in large number, that means a lot of dead horses.....

Only if the material is the same can the striations of the beads still match older kakuten beads.

It is terrible to consider—because horses are such magnificent beasts—but they are sacrificed for dog food and other products. I doubt they are killed for their teeth. But it is considered a good thing when all parts of a sacrificed animal are respectfully used. I would have no idea what volume of beads are made currently. I just hold the opinion that the beads I recently purchased are new. I wanted to buy a purple one—but it was very expensive. So I passed. JDA.