Quote Originally Posted by alx View Post
If you an scratch a stone with a tool this is a crude type of proof of the hardness, the stone has in fact shedded grit particles. Incorporating a given force upon a tool with given and known characteristics, this simple test on a stone could be useful in rating stones as having a certain hardness. The closest entity we have on this forum to conduct this test are the various descriptions of hand pressure, and various qualities of tool steel in the from or shaving razors. This is a start. Alx

Maintaining a flat bevel geometry while sharpening for me is not as crucial with a razor as say a gouge or a plane blade. From discussions I have had here coupled with the fact that so many great shaves are accomplished from so many methods where flatness in not considered makes me think. An accomplished sharpener knows from experience that a harder stone will not deform and round the bevel. With the light pressure used in finishing up a razor, I wonder how stone hardness applies?
I have accomplished great edges happen on stones like the Nakayama from you which happen to be hard. Eschers also give me great results and as Jimmy noted they are considerd soft? Good food for thought, thanks