The Aoto Thread

[holli4pirating]

As with many naturals, you need a slurry to really cut; just water will only polish. It's nice that you posted photos to show the extent of the difference, Py. Thanks for sharing. How much work did you put in to remove that chip?

[Pyment]

I didn't keep track, but would say it took less than 1/2 the work - maybe 70 laps?

I had a second larger chip I was paying more attention to.

[hi_bud_gl]

I may miss it early just please post seller's name. it will help rest of us.

[Pyment]

I don't know which seller you are after but 330mate's ebay store is:

eBay Store - Japanese tools whetstone for sword: Top class, Yamawaku, Hi class

His website is 330mate.com

I am pretty pleased with my Aoto. It is not a bevel setter and I would like one in a wider format some day.

I also like my Ohira Tomae. I would like it bigger and am considering selling it because of that. OTOH, when I get better at honing I may appreciate the size occasionally. I have used it as a finisher for kitchen knives with success.

[mainaman]

my AOTO from 330mate is about the same as my 1k Chosera.
It will be good bevel setter for a nat stone progression only.
There are other sources where one can get a quality AOTO.

[Pyment]

Because mine just doesn't cut fast enough, I will settle for using it after my DMT 1200.

I will look at getting a natural bevel setter again in the future.

My next goal is to get a stone to follow the Aoto - a medium finisher. It turned out the Ohira Suita I was looking at was really a Okudo Renge Suita. This will lead to an immediate price increase (I am sure). I am waiting to hear how much. I had a budget in mind to get a new finisher and the medium stone. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up spending the whole amount on the medium finisher. It will be worth it, though.

[mainaman]

If I am not wrong stones from the Tomae strata should fit in the sub 10k range, which should fit the med finisher category.