Thread: Suehiro Gokomyu 20K Waterstone

After consulting with our members and looking at many options, I ordered a Gokumyo 20K Suehiro synthetic waterstone. You need to buy from Japan and they are $295 plus $18 postage. Send me a PM and I'll give you the details. From all accounts this is an excellent synthetic. As soon as I assess it, I'll let you know. They are in high demand, so a wait may be in order.
Cheers Bob

Yeah, I've been considering this stone as well. The latest exchange rate is Yen 27,000 = AUD$281.66.
I'd like to see it come down some more before I put in an order !!

I did think about the Zulu Grey, but as I have a whole bunch of Naniwas, decided to stay with synthetics.

Pretty steep there. I'll pass for now!


Mike

Originally Posted by bongo

Yeah, I've been considering this stone as well. The latest exchange rate is Yen 27,000 = AUD$281.66.
I'd like to see it come down some more before I put in an order !!

I did think about the Zulu Grey, but as I have a whole bunch of Naniwas, decided to stay with synthetics.

G'day mate,

I think that every one has a different opinion on their waterstones. I started out with the naniwas, 1k, 4k, 8k, 10k. I didn't like the 10k naniwa so I replaced it with an Icebear (King) clay based stone 10k. Right now I asked the vendor of the Gokumyo if the 15 k was appropriate, and he said, that he sells 95% 20k vs 2% 15k. So I ordered the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k. It hasn't arrived yet but I am keen to see it. At close to $300 bucks it isn't cheap, but anyone who has one will swear by it, so I am giving it a go. It also has a lot to do with HAD. The 20k is a good size too, at 210 x 73 x 20 and should give my grandson good service.
So Bongo, I'll post an opinion after I have used it a few times. In reality the only competitor (Synthetic) is the Shapton 30K or some of their pro range (15k).

You would know for sure about our ebay man Ron Spencer (RSPE7027). Ron finishes all his razors with the Gokumyo 20k, thats a good reference.

Cheers Bob

Originally Posted by bobski

In reality the only competitor (Synthetic) is the Shapton 30K or some of their pro range (15k).


Cheers Bob

Actually not competition at all, the Suehiro just has it, the others are close but do not get the mark every time. If I have to pick second after the Suehiro it will be the Shapton Pro 30k, and it cost close to two times the Suehiro.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Actually not competition at all, the Suehiro just has it, the others are close but do not get the mark every time. If I have to pick second after the Suehiro it will be the Shapton Pro 30k, and it cost close to two times the Suehiro.

Thanks for your advice. The only thing negative I heard was there is a slight issue about flattening (Truing) the stone. I have a DMT 325, and I'd hate to stuff up this quality stone with a poor lapping stone...a penny for your thoughts?

Bob

Originally Posted by bobski

Thanks for your advice. The only thing negative I heard was there is a slight issue about flattening (Truing) the stone. I have a DMT 325, and I'd hate to stuff up this quality stone with a poor lapping stone...a penny for your thoughts?

Bob

The issue is that the stone is pretty hard (which is good for a finisher) but if you take the time it will lap fine. Then here is the benefit, it takes a while for the hone to dish.

Originally Posted by mainaman

The issue is that the stone is pretty hard (which is good for a finisher) but if you take the time it will lap fine. Then here is the benefit, it takes a while for the hone to dish.

Totally agree mate, I think what sets it apart from the high grit shaptons, it's size. 20mm thick, vs the 5mm on a shapton 30k. All the shapton users will say it is a durable stone. It is a 5mm stone (ShAPTON) vs 20mm on the suehiro. I think that speaks for itself.

If you have any info, thanks

Bob

Bobski, would you agree then that The DMT 325 is O.K. to lap the Suehiro ?
I don't have a dedicated lapping stone at the mo', I just use a piece of square marble tile and wet'n'dry.
If I'm going to shell out for a Suehiro, I'll want a good lapping stone as well. Would you recommend the 325 ?
Thanks for your help mate, this is a very timely thread you started

Originally Posted by bongo

Bobski, would you agree then that The DMT 325 is O.K. to lap the Suehiro ?
I don't have a dedicated lapping stone at the mo', I just use a piece of square marble tile and wet'n'dry.
If I'm going to shell out for a Suehiro, I'll want a good lapping stone as well. Would you recommend the 325 ?
Thanks for your help mate, this is a very timely thread you started

Thanks for the question,,
Mate I'm a fair way from being able to assess this stone, the moment I get it sorted I'll let you know. It is a high density stone, do your best mate.

Cheers Mate,
Bob