Thread: My New Stones

My new stones are arrived from Japanwoodworker.
DMT 325
Nonpariel Blue (Aoto) Water Stone (2k on tag but site description is manufactured from a combination of #1000 to #3000 grit abrasives in a binder of natural clays. Stamps are look same but i don't know if it is a Jimzo stone. According to some comments it's like 4k or 5k, more than 2k.)
Takenoko 8k


Thinking to seal with nail polish before use. All sides are flat. Can i use non writing side for protect stamps or should i use writing side for honing? Should i soak before use and how long? All other recommends are welcome too.


I have also DMT 1200, Naniwa 12k, Lapping Films and crox

I always check those out in JW. Let us know how they perform. The natural binders interest me.

I can't wrap my head around the justification for a mixed grit hone.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I can't wrap my head around the justification for a mixed grit hone.

supposed to mimic natural stone slurry breakdown. It works for knives.
I find that hone too muddy for razors.

Originally Posted by kelebekcc

My new stones are arrived from Japanwoodworker.
DMT 325
Nonpariel Blue (Aoto) Water Stone (2k on tag but site description is manufactured from a combination of #1000 to #3000 grit abrasives in a binder of natural clays. Stamps are look same but i don't know if it is a Jimzo stone. According to some comments it's like 4k or 5k, more than 2k.)
Takenoko 8k


Thinking to seal with nail polish before use. All sides are flat. Can i use non writing side for protect stamps or should i use writing side for honing? Should i soak before use and how long? All other recommends are welcome too.


I have also DMT 1200, Naniwa 12k, Lapping Films and crox

Seal the sides of the Aoto or it will eventually crack and split.
You can use either side to hone on.

Originally Posted by mainaman

supposed to mimic natural stone slurry breakdown. It works for knives.
I find that hone too muddy for razors.

Excellent. That makes sense. However, unless the 1k grit in it actually does break down, it's still going to be leaving some 1k deep scratches, though they would be mitigated by the higher grit.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Excellent. That makes sense. However, unless the 1k grit in it actually does break down, it's still going to be leaving some 1k deep scratches, though they would be mitigated by the higher grit.

To my knowledge this is a knife sharpening stone, it is very nice and muddy. If you have experience with King 1k, this is softer. I have used one on razors many years a go and decided that there are better options.

Originally Posted by mainaman

supposed to mimic natural stone slurry breakdown. It works for knives.
I find that hone too muddy for razors.

Same pretty much is true with the tanba aotos.

They're cheap which makes them tempting, but you might as well put your hands in a dried up mud puddle - same effect.