Thread: J-Nat evaluation by KC Crew

Scope:
To evaluate the effectiveness of using Japanese natural hone stones from bevel set progression to final finish.

Method:
For testing purposes, three different razors were honed by three different persons. All stones were lapped and edges chamfered on a DMT 325 plate. To eliminate chance of cross contamination, all slurries were raised by using a DMT 1200 plate.

Results:
qFirst stone pictured is an Amakusa natural stone approximate grit range 1500 to 2000. Bevel set was achieved on each razor by using the normal method of sharpening via circles, x-pattern and full straight pass strokes. No evidence of micro-chipping or abnormal fatigue on any of the razors edge was observed under magnification.

qSecond stone pictured is a Tsushima natural stone approximate grit range 5500 to 6500. Razors edge was further refined in the normal use of honing motions of circles, x-patterns and full straight passes. Visual inspection of the various blades under magnification indicated the razors edges to be uniform and consistent with a 6000 grit stone.

qThird stone pictured is a Shoubudani Kiita (yellow stone) approximate grit range 8500 to 10000. All three razors honed on this stone achieved shave capability by making standard x patterns and full straight pass motions. Visual inspection and edge cutting ability on hair indicates all three razors edge progression is accomplished.

Conclusion:
Positive results with bevel set and progression to shave readiness completed. Further edge refining and polishing was done on each of the test razors using a combination of natural finishing stones. This test was conducted to help better understand the capabilities of using only natural stones as an “alternative” approach to properly hone a razors edge.

Natural stones exhibit inherent variations that can not be predicted. Grit ranges of Japanese naturals are in approximations due to the break down of particulate size during the honing process. This test does not detract from using synthetic stones nor does it promote the belief that one way is more effective than the other. Have fun.
Mike

Nice post. I gotta say the Amakusa is a beautiful stone.

Thanks rjezuit, I don't know if the thanks button is working. Some of the guys thought it was a piece of wood when they first saw it. The Tsushima is a special stone too. It almost feels like a chunk of steel.
MIke

nice looking red amakusa,
is that Tsushima the ones that are mined from the sea or mountain one?
If I am not wrong you forgot to post results for the Nakayama?

How long approximately did it take to set bevel on the Amakusa?

very well done modine love the stone progression thanks for the post that Amakusa is a beautiful stone i believe its an Amakusa red which is around 600 grit but thats not counting the stone particle's breaking down the Amakusa white is around 1500 -2000 here's mine Amakusa red

Originally Posted by mainaman

How long approximately did it take to set bevel on the Amakusa?

It didnt take long at all when I used it!

Thanks for the writeup and the eye candy. That Amakusa made my heart beat faster.

Guys, I am really happy oyu did this. Those Amakusa taunt me. Can I ask where you got yours? It can be hard to find a reputable dealer for those--the ones at the hardware store all look like junk.

Stefan, Tsushima hones are all "from the sea", whatever that means.

I was just searching for the lower and middle grit Japanese naturals to try a progression just the other day...

Thanks for a nice write up...

Now I gotta actually try this out, I have wanted to have a progression like this just for my Kamisoris, kind of a fun traditional way of doing them just for me

Originally Posted by JimR

Guys, I am really happy oyu did this. Those Amakusa taunt me. Can I ask where you got yours? It can be hard to find a reputable dealer for those--the ones at the hardware store all look like junk.

Stefan, Tsushima hones are all "from the sea", whatever that means.

there are mountain ones too but rare.
amakusa here in US can be found @ hidatool and the epicurean edge