Thread: Shoubu-dani - Is this the correct spelling?

I rarely see the name written in Japanese as Shobudani. I see it more commonly written as Shobu, and if you use a translating program or site, it will name the type of stone "iris".
I guess it's like saying ozukuyama 大突山 .
For the way it's written, the letter ō (diphthong) , is usually written in romaji as -ou usually, but you can see it as -o or -uo. Shōbudani, or Shoubudani or Shobudani. All of them mean the same thing, still it's kind of confusing.

It certainly is confusing. I saw the 100 stone for sale on the same site as shuobodani 100, and the full size stone as shoubodani. So I think they want us to buy both(marketing LOL) which I did although not at the same time. Its a very easy stone, much easier than many, although you have received good advice about starting out on synthetics. Unless your next door neighbor or someone close can mentor you, its an uphill climb. It can be done but you may a psychotic episode while you are scratching your beard wondering why you cant get a shave ready edge.

Thanks to everyone - this is all excellent information and advice.