Thread: Natural vs. Synthetic stones...

I know there are lots of debates over this issue, but this is not a debate.

Synthetic stones are readily available.

Finding natural stones is a bit more difficult.

Here is my problem:

I'm going to replace my Norton 4k/8k with a Belgian Combo stone (Cot/BBW), but as far as finding replacements for the 220/1k, it's a bit more difficult.

I think I found a replacement for the 1k in a Japanese Natural Aoto stone. The rating on this from my research is roughly 800-2k grit. I think another option would be a Binsu stone (800-1200), but my searches for that have turned up no results. The only thing I can find as far as replacing the 220 is an Amakusa stone (400-800) but I haven't found a place to buy one of those either.

So my question is this:

What are some good choices, IYO of course, to replace 220 and 1k stones?

Also, where would I be able to purchase these stones? I already sent OLD_SCHOOL a PM asking him about the lower grit naturals, and am awaiting a response

Thanks for all your help

*EDIT* A question in my research has just appeared to me. The info on this site where I got the grit ratings for these japanese stones...it it a grit measure in the JIS system, or the ANSI standard? Here is the post I got it from http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...tml#post453541

This question came up because I just saw an Amakusa stone for sale rated at as 1k in the JIS system.