Help finding Jnat.

I need some help. I have very little experience with Jnats. I tried one years ago that produced results similar to a Coticule. But, i don't remember anything more about it.

I have a good friend and customer who is looking for a Nakayama Kiita Maruka LV5 with matching Tomo. I must admit, I don't even know what that means. Most of my honing research has been oriented towards production efficiency.

I would like to find one for him. Is there anyone who could point me in the right direction?

Thank you,

Tim Z.

That's a hard combination to come by. It's going to be several thousand dollars as well. Kiita = yellow, maruka = graded stone the owner of the nakayama mine. Not many, at least that I've seen, come with a matching Tomo.

I recall Stefan (mainaman) claiming this is akin to a Ferrari -- HUGE bucks. Good luck with your search!

Japanesenaturalstones has 2 stamped jnats fitting that description although they are pre polisher/coticule level. Finding a nonstamped kiita finisher would be a bit easier of a task.

Keep in mind that those nice stamps, that may or may not be legitimate, will disappear when you actually use the hone.

Thank you. He has the money. He just needs to fine one.

A Maruka stamp should be on the side of the stone, not face, so it wont interfere with honing and it wont be lapped off and removed with honing. Well eventually as the stone wears down it will but you know what I mean.
If I would be spending the money I would make sure that I am getting the real deal and tested. He can contact Alex Gilmore from japanstone or even Keith aka tomonagura. I know Keith doesn't have any for sale on his site at the moment but he does have some in his collection and maybe he is willing to let one go.
That's where I would start.

For ease of reference the places alex1921 mentioned above are: TheJapanStone natural japanese sharpening stones tennen toishi and Jnats, Tomo & Mikawa Nagura & Straight Razor Hones | TomoNagura.Com, respectively.

You could also try this place: Hatanaka Maruka Nakayama Kiita Vintage - JPY600,000 : Japan-Tool Online Shopping Cart. if that stone isn't of interest the proprietor could probably find something in his collection that would be suitable.

A Maruka stamp should be on the side but the majority of the hones that I have seen sold by the above vendors have those stamps on the top.

Tim
I think that I can help you out, I have some stock that would fit the bill if we can work out the details that might include a second stone for the majority of actual hands on steel to stone time while the fully stamped stones would be to the side until the reckoning
You may get it touch if you wish. Ask around for my contact info.

Alex Gilmore

Since a Maruka on top would be obviously fake and considering I brought the names of the above vendors to the discussion I just want to clarify. I will add some pics I found. I have seen them sell stones with the Hatanaka stamp on top but never the Maruka one.

Maruka stamp - Attachment 288809

Hatanaka Hatahoshi - Attachment 288812

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Originally Posted by alx

Tim
I think that I can help you out, I have some stock that would fit the bill if we can work out the details that might include a second stone for the majority of actual hands on steel to stone time while the fully stamped stones would be to the side until the reckoning
You may get it touch if you wish. Ask around for my contact info.

Alex Gilmore

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No sales talk please on the forum. Since you are talking "stock" that means business to me.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

No sales talk please on the forum. Since you are talking "stock" that means business to me.

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Really? When people ask for advice on jnat vendors, especially ones in the US, Alex is always at the top of the list. Is this because he does not have a vendor badge through SRP? Then, there's the fact it's Tim Zowada asking for help! I mean, sure it would be a little more appropriate to discuss that issue through PM, but jeez cut a little slack...

I appreciate the admin/monitor staff, but I got to agree with prodigy. Maybe Alex just shooting a PM would be the safe bet, but two names come up with US vendors, both are on the forum (or at least I thought Keith is/was on here too at one time). So, Tim put help feelers out there for a particular item and Alex responded that he's got what Tim needs hit him up.

If this was someone with no to little time on the board and prices/particulars were being discussed I'd get it, but this instance is a little nick picky.
Jer

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Originally Posted by alex1921

Since a Maruka on top would be obviously fake and considering I brought the names of the above vendors to the discussion I just want to clarify. I will add some pics I found. I have seen them sell stones with the Hatanaka stamp on top but never the Maruka one.

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Only Nakayama stones have the Maruka stamp.

JNS Stones
MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ALSO

I'm sorry but some members seem to have difficulty distinguishing advice on hones and a business transaction.

There is no problem or issue with giving advice to any member with regard to hones and where to buy but when the issue of someones "stock" comes up the red lines is reached.

The staff tries to apply the rules fairly to all members.

This aspect of the discussion is finished.

Everyone is welcome to discuss hones and give recommendations freely. Just watch that red line fellas.

Tim, Alex is one of the best stone proprietors in the business of straight razors. He is to stones as you are to custom razors. Contact him in a private message and you and your client seeking a quality jnat will both be rewarded beyond your wildest imaginations. Have no fears or worries about receiving anything but the best when dealing with Alex. He only sells stones that will fit what the client is looking for.

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

Only Nakayama stones have the Maruka stamp.

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Absolutely. Maruka stamp is only from Nakayama.

Well, it was bound to happen. In trying to help my friend find his Nakayami Kiita Maruka , I got sucked in. I ended up spending the last two days learning as much as I could. It was a little like drinking from a fire hose... It turns out the entire JNat thing is very different than I thought. It is actually quite fascinating.

The result is, I have a Nakayama Asagi and Nagura set headed to my house. I feel a little like I'm falling in to a black hole, from which there is no escape! Strangely, I am very happy about it...

My friend is still looking for his Nakayama Kiita Maruka. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it very much.

You could try So Yamashita at Japan-Tool. He would be the foremost authority I know but he will likely tell you that what you're after is a rare animal as the Kiita stones usually a bit too soft for razors & being the most popular colour in Japan, hard to get hold of.
You will likely also have a long wait as he is always so busy but I can say from experience the wait is well worthwhile on many levels.
Have fun with your Asagi :)

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Originally Posted by Tim Zowada

Well, it was bound to happen. In trying to help my friend find his Nakayami Kiita Maruka , I got sucked in. I ended up spending the last two days learning as much as I could. It was a little like drinking from a fire hose... It turns out the entire JNat thing is very different than I thought. It is actually quite fascinating.

The result is, I have a Nakayama Asagi and Nagura set headed to my house. I feel a little like I'm falling in to a black hole, from which there is no escape! Strangely, I am very happy about it...

My friend is still looking for his Nakayama Kiita Maruka. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it very much.

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