Thread: Ozuku stamps help

I know, it is the performance that counts, but still - I just gotta know! What do the stamps in the first pic say? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Story:
Bought this stone on a trip to Japan last year at Morihei in Tokyo. I asked for a stone especially for razors. "Razor only?" "Yes razor only". I was taken upstairs in an elevator and shown 4 stones in all; the first two were much bigger than this one and out of my budget unfortunately. The third had a crack that worried the owner, so this is what I brought home.
I really like it - even though I can't use it to its full potential yet. It is my first Jnat and the only one I've tried so far.

My best guess would be that it says something like second grade because of the lines, which don't affect the honing btw.





Regards,

The stamp in the rectangle is IIRC, a 'tokusen' or 'specially picked', 'hand selected' or similar. It doesn't always mean much though.

The lines, especially fine ones, do not necessarily make it a second grade stone, in fact they can be indicators of a hard, fine stone.

Looks like it is a good stone!

Cheers, Steve

Thank you very much Steve!

Yeah don't worry about the lines if they can't be felt when honing and don't leave any weird scratches on the bevel or edge/apex damage. If they fit those 3 qualifications then the lines are softer than the steel so shouldn't cause any issues. I have 3 JNats with lines and they are not a problem at all.