Quote Originally Posted by Southbound View Post
Alex and Takeshi have a solid name with stones. When I do buy I will buy from a reputable vendor Like them.
They have different ways of rating them. Takeshi is a gent I have bought several strops. He doesn't have anything over 8.9.at the moment. I'm confused about the ++ thing. I've read that Takeshi has had 9.2 and 9.4 stones in the past. So what does 9.2 and 9.4 equal to on the "+" scale? On Alex's site he will tell you when a particular stone will finish with only clear water. I've heard of stones that are 9+++ usally scratchy. So it it possible to get a 9++ stone or 9+++ without being scratchy? So if you can finish on clear water does that indicate that the stone is not scratchy?
Alex Gilmore is an excellent source for Jnats. He is very patient and talks to beginners. A feature that is very scarse in the other retailers. For instance I bought my awesedo from Japanesenaturalstones.com and maksim responded to 1 email I sent him and never heard from him again. He has excellent products but communication is not there. Where as in my expierence Alex will coach you through what you want out of the stone and your best option. Very decently priced I might add.