I have never worked with Kato Poly Clay. Sculpey is too soft for me too. I use Premo for my translucent, black and colors I will use a large amount. I saw that you were from Raleigh. Raleigh, NC? If so you can buy Premo at Micheals and AC Moore for $2.49 for 2oz. pack. You can also buy it in bulk for very cheap at www.rings-things.com it's like $1.45 a pack, but they do require that you atleast buy $50 worth of merchandise since they are wholesale. It's very easy for me, because I make jewelry. The second place I would recommend is www.puffinalia.com you can buy by the pound at $11.25 or 1/4 lb. 2-2oz. packs at $3.00. Lastly I would recommend www.theclaystore.com, no minimum a little more expensive than the others. A 2oz. pack is $1.75 and a pound is $14.00. They are very friendly,have fast shipping, and a lot of hard to find colors in small packs. I hope this helps.

kato poly clay is the best clay I have ever used-in my opinion...
my other favorite is premo, kato poly clay is available locally and at discount for my wholesale.
kato poly clay does not have to be kneaded that much. except the gold, copper and soometimes the black if they sit out too long without being wrapped.
and yes you can mix it with premo if you mix both to the same consistency. i i have mixed both for cane work.