Quote Originally Posted by Chrisl View Post
Question on the Japanese stones: I thought you lap the side that does NOT have the stamping. Some of his featured stones indicate the "back" as being the non-stamped side and some of these non-stamped sides given their rough natural state would look like they'd take days to lap. What's the scoop?
Some people have asked me about saving the stamps in case they want to sell their stone in the future. For that reason I have suggested lapping the bottom. If you aren't going to sell your hone on and you feel you must lap it, then just do it. I lapped the bottom one that was quite rough and it took an hour on #400 diamond plate to smooth it out. Don't know how long the buyer spent lapping it 100% flat.
Some stones come lapped both sides, because there is a crack on one side.

Quote Originally Posted by Bruno View Post
There is 1 kanji left on the side, identifying the hone, but that will be gone too once I laquer it.
Your lacquer should be clear, so that the sides can still be seen and inspected "if" you were going to sell it on.