Thread: My first Japanese stone

HAD has hit me. I have a nice new set of Naniwas on their way to me and I just pushed the button on this:

Special natural Tomae very hard stone from Kyoto Hon Yama, hand-selected by Murray Carter. Best for razor sharpening.
GRIT: Approx. 30,000~ 40,000
DIMENSIONS: 5.4 X 3.2 X 0.8 inches
WEIGHT: 1.25 lbs.

I bought it as Murray seems to know a thing or two about sharpness and because it was inexpensive. So how did I do? Any opinions/experiences relating to Murray Carter's stones? What sort of finish should I expect in comparison to my coticule?

What does he know about razors?

I have no doubts about his abilities with knives and with sharpening them, and the stone looks nice enough in pictures, but my initial reaction to someone who puts a numerical grit rating on a natural stone doesn't really understand much about natural stones.

At the same time, I read that Murray has just got back from Japan where he talked to some Kyoto hone dealers himself, so if they told him it'd be good for razors I tend to believe it.

In my experience the price looks fair, at any rate.

Hmm, thanks for the reply. Guess I'll wait and try it out.

Judging by the pictures this hone is coarser than 30-40K.

I'm curious to know how you believe you can tell the coarse/fineness from the picture? I was there when those stones were purchased and held them in my own hands and I can't tell from the picture. BTW I'm not disagreeing with you as to grade since I didn't try them. I have, however, found that the feel of a stone much less it's picture can be very deceiving until you put it to steel.

I'm just curious if the stone came and if you've tested it yet.

Originally Posted by namuh1

I'm curious to know how you believe you can tell the coarse/fineness from the picture? I was there when those stones were purchased and held them in my own hands and I can't tell from the picture. BTW I'm not disagreeing with you as to grade since I didn't try them. I have, however, found that the feel of a stone much less it's picture can be very deceiving until you put it to steel.

The grit estimate was listed in the description of the stone of the site.

Originally Posted by mainaman

The grit estimate was listed in the description of the stone of the site.

Namuh was referring to Kees' post, where he said:

Judging by the pictures this hone is coarser than 30-40K.

I'm curious about this, too.

For those of you who are interested in Murray Carter products I just learned yesterday that he is moving his facilities to new quarters. As a result, he is having the biggest sale on every product and service and course that he offers. This is a chance to purchase anything he has in stock at 40% off! The link is:

Carter Cutlery News - Special 40% Off Sale Update ARCHIVE

Originally Posted by Disburden

I'm just curious if the stone came and if you've tested it yet.

I have the stone, but have not had the time to test it properly yet. It is a very heavy stone (in comparison to my synthetics and coticule) and the surface feels a lot finer to touch than my coti. I did make up a quick slurry with one of my nagura and began refinishing the edge of one of my dovo's but got called out for work and had to pack it all back up after 6 or so laps so, to be continued....