Thread: Stone hardness & decription questions

So first off. This was sold as a Narutaki Akane Tomae 4+. I am confused on the hardness of this stone first off. Initial feel and water tests say this is more of a 5 or more in hardness. Water sits on it forever. No self slurry with knifes or razors, but produces a good bit of swarf so it has good speed. Once I use a tomo though it produces slurry very easily and also with atoma lapping plate. So on water only it seems like a 5 to 5+, but when slurrying it seems like a 4 or 4+. Never had a stone like this before how would one gauge the hardness better?

Next I still have only seen very few stones listed as Akane or Akane iromono and seem to feel this would still just be an Iromono Tomae, but is there a difference?

Finally in the pics you may be able to see small purple dots that cover the stone. Are these Nashiji, goma or renge? Nashiji I thought was mostly on Kiita stones, Goma I thought are usually black and renge is usually on Suita stones. This is a red stone with purple spots.

So… How is the edge?

Hardness/fineness is an estimation by the user/seller based on his experience and the performance of the stone.

It is a natural stone, so there are no absolutes.

That you feel it is harder/ finer, is a good thing, no?

As with most things now, that market is shrouded with mystery as to the provenance of ancient stones, and you/we are at the mercy or graced by the expertise and voracity of the seller.

All natural stones are a roll of the dice, in terms of performance, but a good guide can make the journey smoother and more successful. It sounds like a stone you have room to grow into…

Nice looking stone, enjoy.

The edges are awesome and the stone is very fine. I just never had one that I couldn't figure a good hardness for. It is usually one way or another this stone just seems to have both.

Took a shot with the loop and phone to try and show the purple spots.

Originally Posted by rideon66

The edges are awesome and the stone is very fine. I just never had one that I couldn't figure a good hardness for. It is usually one way or another this stone just seems to have both.

I understand your desire to assign it a number, but it sounds like a great hone.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I understand your desire to assign it a number, but it sounds like a great hone.

You are correct. I just want to satisfy my own understanding and knowledge.

Well if it bothers you that much get one of those hardness kits they sell in science and education stores and test it yourself. They are just a few bucks and you'll know for sure.