Japan...

I inquired about some natural Japanese waterstones....

These are not truely rated by our grit system and in some ways they are nice to look at simply by shape, size and color. The Japanese seem to describe them as "hard" or "soft". But they also say that they start in the 20,000 grit range. So; you have to go a bit on instinct and advice when looking at them. I was after a next step beyond my yellow couticle. Why, you ask?....
Not sure I have a good answer...to some degree, it is the appeal of using natural stones. Japanese culture also has appeal. architecture, tradition, martial arts, weapons...so why not rocks?

Anyway I have a couple on the way that I hope are of differing grits. I will share my reactions once they arrive.

Where did you get them and which
ones did you get if you don't mind me
asking?

John

From our Japanese-Australian friend So.

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Originally Posted by JGS

I inquired about some natural Japanese waterstones....

These are not truely rated by our grit system and in some ways they are nice to look at simply by shape, size and color. The Japanese seem to describe them as "hard" or "soft". But they also say that they start in the 20,000 grit range. So; you have to go a bit on instinct and advice when looking at them. I was after a next step beyond my yellow couticle. Why, you ask?....
Not sure I have a good answer...to some degree, it is the appeal of using natural stones. Japanese culture also has appeal. architecture, tradition, martial arts, weapons...so why not rocks?

Anyway I have a couple on the way that I hope are of differing grits. I will share my reactions once they arrive.

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Glad to see that I'm not the only one who wants to know more about them. Hope someone will enlighten us about those stones, I do find them very tempting.

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Originally Posted by JGS

to some degree, it is the appeal of using natural stones. Japanese culture also has appeal. architecture, tradition, martial arts, weapons...so why not rocks?

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Japanese waterstones interest me greatly as well, but as a self confessed hopelessly addicted HAD sufferer (much much more than RAD oddly enough) I have purposely stayed away from them. There are so many types and the costs seem to easily escalate into the astronomical. In order to save my marriage, I've decided that I have to stay away from those beautiful stones that make me ga-ga just looking at all of them.:eek::p

Maybe someone will be very evil and tell me the costs are not very high for an excellent polishing stone.

Chris L

Costs aren't very high for a nice polishing stone....mwahahahahahahahaaaaa!

James.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

Costs aren't very high for a nice polishing stone....mwahahahahahahahaaaaa!

James.

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I knew it!!! You're an enabler. :nono::):cry:

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Originally Posted by Chrisl

I knew it!!! You're an enabler. :nono::):cry:

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Vist the Japan Woodworker,,,,,, and keep swallowing... :0)

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Originally Posted by JGS

From our Japanese-Australian friend So.

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Yes, So is also taking care of me.

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Originally Posted by bjorn

Glad to see that I'm not the only one who wants to know more about them. Hope someone will enlighten us about those stones, I do find them very tempting.

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Unfortunately I learn that color and shape have little to do with the grade. You have to get in touch with someone who knows, the provenance and the stamp/label linked to it make all the difference, and for what application.

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Originally Posted by Chrisl

Japanese waterstones interest me greatly as well, but as a self confessed hopelessly addicted HAD sufferer (much much more than RAD oddly enough) I have purposely stayed away from them. There are so many types and the costs seem to easily escalate into the astronomical. In order to save my marriage, I've decided that I have to stay away from those beautiful stones that make me ga-ga just looking at all of them.:eek::p

Maybe someone will be very evil and tell me the costs are not very high for an excellent polishing stone.

Chris L

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Well, the other side of the coin is, to save your marriage SHE can allow you one (to begin with).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chrisl

Japanese waterstones interest me greatly as well, but as a self confessed hopelessly addicted HAD sufferer (much much more than RAD oddly enough) I have purposely stayed away from them. There are so many types and the costs seem to easily escalate into the astronomical. In order to save my marriage, I've decided that I have to stay away from those beautiful stones that make me ga-ga just looking at all of them.:eek::p

Maybe someone will be very evil and tell me the costs are not very high for an excellent polishing stone.

Chris L

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You want some stones, pick one. Courtesy of Mr. So Yamashita

This is the most complete J stones listing I have found.
http://homepage2.nifty.com/s-kawai/toisi_hanbai.html

All the text on that page is displaying as question marks on my browser (????????)

I can see the pictures though, and they look nice.

Well;

Mine arrived literally just as I needed to leave for the weekend. I had time to unwrap them and put them away.

Pics to come and I will let everyone know how they work for me. Unfortunately one of the stones (the softer) must be lapped on the top surface which will destroy the stamps.

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Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

All the text on that page is displaying as question marks on my browser (????????)

I can see the pictures though, and they look nice.

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The question marks are for the Japanese characters your computer can't figure out how to display.

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Originally Posted by JGS

Well;

Mine arrived literally just as I needed to leave for the weekend. I had time to unwrap them and put them away.

Pics to come and I will let everyone know how they work for me. Unfortunately one of the stones (the softer) must be lapped on the top surface which will destroy the stamps.

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JGS - is there any way you can lap the bottom instead? I lapped the top of mine to get it level and rubbed off the stamps. Definitely regretted it. Next one, if I can, I'll lap the bottom even if there are big chisel marks there...

James.

Jimbo;

I'm with you, but the rear surface on one of the stones is really rugged...no possibility it could be lapped.

While I have some confidence; it may be a stone that eventually breaks on it's many seams...we shall see.

Thanks.

You may want to contact Old_School . He lives in Japan , and may be able to help you .