First of all, thanks for your answers !

Quote Originally Posted by bill3152 View Post
Buying stones like you are proposing is risky business IMO. SOmetimes the stamps are real but the stones are fake... I mean they can print money so how easy would it be to make a fake stamp? Better to buy IMO from a reputable dealer who has a reputation and exchange policy. If he brings you a lousy stone then what? You may pay more or less, but peace of mind is worth something. JMHO.
Wow, it seems that I'm more of the trusting kind... I don't think that a big store that sells high end cutlery & tools in central Tokyo would go ahead and fake stamps to rip-off tourists. I wouldn't think this would be worth the effort.

But I agree that there is a risk to pay good money for a natural hone that isn't a suitable finishing stone for razors. That's why I asked for some help with kanji to look for a hone that is intended to be used on razors. I think I have seen something like this around but can't find it.

In the end, I don't care too much from which mine or layer it comes from but I like the thought of having a hone directly imported for me .

Cheers
Jörg