Reply To: I need new Retzuos on my Tefillin

Some twenty year ago or so, I went to one local sofer and he offered me a choice of machine processed or hand processed. I asked which is better, and he said the machine processed. I chose the latter . Those retzuos are still good, buttery soft and with some longitudinal creases that show it came from a cow. This was before the advent of black on black. I recent ly replaced retzzuos on a different pair. The black on black smells toxic, feels and looks like plastic with hard edges, and shows no sign of breaking in. And yes, go to a reputable sofer