Thread: eBay Naniwa Score

Swarf is the metal that is removed from the blade. Depending on the stone, lubricant and metal it can behave differently. With a superstone it likes to stick to the stone. You will see it instantly after a few passes of a razor over any of the stones. It's silver/black like thick pencil lead.

The spots you can see on a freshly lapped stone are normal for superstones. It's not something to worry about. And it's not swarf.


Don't soak these stones. 2-5 mins in water is the longest they should ever be dunked for. A spray bottle is good for wetting them in use, or just dunk your hand and wipe them over.

After use, dry them and let them fully air dry naturally before putting them away. If you put them back into the boxes after use even if only slightly damp there is a good chance you will get mould growing on them (mine did). I keep mine in a wooden box with air holes in the side so they always have good airflow even in storage. They don't take long to feel dry but I like to leave them in the open for at least a day after use to make sure they don't take any water back into that wooden box.

For practice sharpen your smaller kitchen knives. These stones will deal with a knife no problem. You can gouge them so just be careful. If you just want them for razors then there are a few good options. Like picking up a few decent looking vintage blades off ebay, Or sight unseen from whipped dog. You can also go the gold dollar route if you want just be aware that those razors often need a bit more work and you would probably have to correct them on the 220 grit.


The 220 is also not really a razor stone. It will make a great knife stone but for razors you tend to start at 1K and work from there.


I'd lap the 8K till it was almost perfect. You have a good thickness of stone, the 8K doesn't see a lot of wear in normal use, you will see this as you use it. And having it perfect will give you more confidence that any problems you are having is you and technique rather than the stone catching the edge funny and ruining your work.