a shuttle loom, is a shuttle loom. they all produce the effect i like.
a projectile loom is a projectile loom. they make a very nice smooth fabric.
japan does NOT have all old looms, and never did. it was an evisu marketing trick. check here:
denim news
cone mills developed selvedge fabric for levis and has never stopped making it.
shuttle loom fabric is NOT rare. they can make alot of it. it IS expensive because of the slow process and narrow fabric.
the cost is what makes it "rare" in the market, because many buyers dont see the added cost as justified. fair enough. most dont.
i do, but only if it is combined with real indigo dye. will post a few pics of my indigo dyed pants and also a t-shirt.