Is that a natural, or synthetic?
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they have both synthetic and natural
There is another place that you can get natural Aoto, and it comes in grades:
The Epicurean Edge: Japanese and European professional chefs knives
I'd been caught up in the hunt for a natural bevel setter too, but today I went and got a Norton 220/1k. I'm very glad I did. Unlike with naturals, I knew exactly what I'd be getting, so there was no risk of "man, this doesn't want to do what I want. now I have to go get something else. at least this hone looks pretty..." Actually, I think the Norton is quite ugly, but I wanted function over form. I did a little write up of my thoughts, if anyone cares to look.
they did ship very fast . i did get them already. 800k is a big one but medium grit stone is small.
i will test them and let you know the results.
I ordered the Dragon's Tongue and have an offer in on the Aoto.
So, the currently planned progression is Aoto> BBW or DT > Coticule > Nakayama/Frankonian
If I decide I need anything lower, I'll add an Iyo stone. If I can get one for a reasonable price, I might get one anyhow.
I got an aoto for $28 (auction), 7 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 1 3/8, some fairly deep divots in the face. Laps unbelievably fast. Shipping was funky, got it, another stone, and a knife shipped air mail for $10, but it took two weeks to reach me from NY after making it across the ocean & 2 countries in 3 days.
I "won" an Aoto for $24.95 shipped. That will be good for setting bevels once lapped. I am expecting it to be in the 1-2000 grit range. Suitable for sharpening, but now polishing. I think I may have settled the next step up as well.
330mate has Oohira stones listed that he describes as suitable for "Kumori" which is mist and haze, I think. They are softer than true polishing stones and with a lower grit. This conclusion lead me through a number of sites dedicated to sword sharpening and polishing. Near as I can synthesize, this stone would fall about where the sword polishers move from sharpening to polishing about 4000-6000.
I found that the Amukasa (red and white) come from an island named Kyushu island.
http://www.buildingforhealth.com/pro...0_2_medium.jpghttp://www.buildingforhealth.com/pro...0_2_medium.jpg
Just to note in this thread, in case it hasn't already, both Sham and Olivia (and other members I don't remember off the top of my head) have found that the Amakusa Red is not suitable for honing razors.