Thread: 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