Thread: some tips about Japanese hones ?

Hi SRP folks,

As some among you knows, I'm still on the search of a finding hone. And while I was searching on the web, suddenly I found some Japanese hones. Read some, some more and some more but I'm really confused. I'm not so familiar with Japanese language, and I saw some videos while I was learning to hone my kamisoris, there were naturally people who were honing their razors on jap. Hones. But here is the thing, I assume so there is different grits for every jap. Hones as European hones ( coticule, bbw, la lune etc) so I'm wondering how to,know these Japanese hones grits before command them? They are all high grit above 10k? The names I saw Nakayama, honayama etc. But I can't be sure if their grit and if they are really the hone mentioned in the description of items.

So id like to ask,if you can give some,quick tips to,learn these hones. I read some on srp about honyama but I can't be se sure if the hone in looking is it or not ( as you know they are natural hones so not the same shape for all and sometime they have a broking piece)?

Thanks a lot by advance to those who can give a hand

Best advice I can give you is that names & stamps may mean very little as they can be forged.

Buy from a known reputable source who can tailor a stone to your skill level & intended use.

When it comes to Jnats you can be lucky or you can be deliberate.

You can find some basic info under the technique & knowledge tab of the link below:
Japan Tool

There are different "grit" JNats or stones with different abrasive particle sizes, but if you buy from a decent seller they will tell you if the stone is razor grade. All razor grade JNats I have used (currently have 12) have the same abrasive particle size as far as I can tell - they leave nearly identical scratch patterns with slurry when viewed under 250x magnification.

Also be sure to distinguish between razor size stones & razor finishing stones. They are not all identical.

Bonjour Oustoura,

The best way to get a Japanese natural razor hone is to ask the seller for a stone that is razor grade. Also be sure you can return it if you don't like it.

I will try to help you if you want to PM me.

Cheers, Steve

I got mine from Japan Tool: very happy with it. Used after an Escher it will improve the edge.