in large sauce pan combine kombu and 8 cups of water, let stand at room temperature until the kombu starts to soften about 30 minutes
Bring the water to a bare simmer over moderate heat: tiny bubbles will form on the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and discard the kombu. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Add the Bonito Shavings and bring to just a simmer
Immediately strain the dashi through a fine sieve and use right away