Japanese Stone Indentification

Hi all,

I am getting a couple of stones to try out from Alex Gilmore of TheJapanBlade, and among one is a gorgeous little Kiita Asagi mix finishing stone. It is from the border of Asagi and Kiita, so that is why there is that gorgeous variegated pattern as Alex calls it.

He has tested it on a razor, so I know it's a worthy finishing stone, but there are no markings on it. There is a distinctive skin on the back of the stone which he said would help in the indentification of the mine it was from.

I have attached the pictures of the stone, along with the video of the stone in use.

YouTube - thejapanblade.com RAZOR TEST on a NATURAL JAPANESE SHARPENING STONE

Thank you everyone!

It certainly looks like a Kiita/Asagi. If Alex says it's a good one, that's likely to be all you need to know. I realize that's not what you are seeking but it's probably all you will find.
Have fun with your new toy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

It certainly looks like a Kiita/Asagi. If Alex says it's a good one, that's likely to be all you need to know. I realize that's not what you are seeking but it's probably all you will find.
Have fun with your new toy!

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It's not really important that I find out exactly what it is. Indeed, Alex's approval is really all I need, but still I am curious. :)

I have one of Alex's stones too. Like you mentioned, mine came with no stamps or other identification, but it is certainly one of the finest finishing stones I've ever used. I would definitely trust whatever Alex told me about the origin and qualities of the stones he sells.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JeffE

I would definitely trust whatever Alex told me about the origin and qualities of the stones he sells.

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That is precisely the reason I contacted him in the first place; He has a good reputation and have read nothing but great things about him. :tu I am confident that it is a good stone. :D I'm just a curious person and like to know everything I can about something when I get it! I'm sure others here can sympathize with that.... :w

Understand? Yes.
Empathize? Yes.
Help you identify the hone's origin?
No clue!

I have been dogging his site for a while and was wondering if from time to time offers razor class hones that are not quite so large. I certainly don't want to drop over a thousand for a hone. Just curious.


Thanks,
Richard

Quote:

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Originally Posted by riooso

I have been dogging his site for a while and was wondering if from time to time offers razor class hones that are not quite so large. I certainly don't want to drop over a thousand for a hone. Just curious.


Thanks,
Richard

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there's only one way to find out:gl:


which I mean-ask him if he got that saw yet (LOL)

you need to ask a miner that is familiar with those famous Kyoto mines.
My advise ask So, he will find out what the mine is.

Obvious isnt it?? thats shinden skin

ha thats my guess but I have, of course, not seen anywhere near enough to know anything.

I have observed this though it may not be a fair assessment. So Y doesn't say he can tell; nor does he say his Dad can. He says his Dad says he can. meaning maybe he does not quite believe it himself.:fim:

You would never know unless you tried to trick him; and even then maybe he would be correct should the stone have been stamped from one mine but actually taken from another :confused: