Thread: Pictures of two hones

Well, the water might not be absorbed into the stone, but it definitely disappears faster on some stones rather than others, which makes me think that it isn't evaporation.

I'm going to try an experiment tonight that might shed some light on this. I'm going to fill up a small shot glass of water, put the stone on top and then turn the whole thing upside down. If the water from the glass disappears (and isn't running out of the sides of course), then I'd say it is pretty definitely going directly into the stone.

Anyway, I will let you know once I'm done.

Jeff, it looks like a true Nakayama to me anyway, and probably an old one at that. The overall cut, color, "skin", chisel cuts on the back, and saw marks on the sides all look to me just like all the stamped Nakayamas I have, down to the last detail.

I have one old Maruka stamped Nakayama that is a very fine polisher (my current favorite finisher), and it just drinks up water, too. Can't really explain it. My inexpensive Japanese stones all seem to suck up water too, and I used to think that it was a "sure sign" of a lower-grit Japanese stone. But it definitely isn't always so, I've seen it first hand. My other extra-hard Nakayamas practically bead water, especially the ultra-hard Karasu I have. It's like marble or something, yet cuts very fast.

I haven't figured out the feel of the Eschers just yet, but yours is very pretty and minty.

Thanks for posting your stones. I never get tired of looking at them.

I have a few Nakamayas and have found them to be quite variable in there thirst. Generally the harder and more compact they are the less water they use. I have one that feels almost as hard as a really hard Arkie and it only take a couple of drops, others need water added a couple or few times in a honing session.