Pleasant addition from thejapanstone

For a few months now I've wanted to scratch the HAD, but really can't justify the spend, even to myself. Then I saw this little guy for $80 on the Japanstone: umegahata iro tomae. You can see from the picture that it's a very small stone: not even as wide as this razor. Many I picked it up because of the price, the odd shape (which I much prefer to rectangular), and the red highlights.

This razor is the one I have the most difficult honing: it just never wants to give a really comfortable shave.

I had a hard time figuring out how to hone with this: it's a bit wobbly and small. I finally resorted to holding it in my hand: many of you do this but I find it uncomfortable. In any case, this razor was shaving okay (give it a B or a B-) after my last honing of it on a black arky. That, by the way, was the best shave to date with this razor.

Therefore I figured a little honing action would be all that was needed to see what the stone did. Well, this little guy did fantastic. Best shave I've had with this razor yet. Typically this razor is outstanding with the grain, but uncomfortable against the grain. This time, it was excellent all around! I've very happy with this stone!

The larger stone in the back was my first jnat, also from Alex. It's an outstanding stone on every razor I have except the razor shown.

Attachment 204682

Link to the page on his site.

super fine okudo japanese natural stone for kamisori razors

Awesome stone! Like you, I prefer the slightly irregular ones - more character. Alex knows his stuff, hard to go wrong there.

Cheers, Steve