Thread: How hard is hard, and how fine is fine??

Is there a criteria and what is the standard to qualify as a "polishier" as opposed to a "pre-polisher"? Are we talking a Lv5 or a Lv5+ for the polisher? And anything below that is a pre-polisher? If so then what is the line of demarcation.
Some guidence would help. I have seen Maxim's videos on the difference between a Lv2 and Lv5, I have some experience with that test, but what are the standards being used now between the pre and the actual polisher? Alx

What I would also like to know is where this lv1 - lv5 scale comes from? Is it an objective or subjective scale? I have not seen maxim's video, so I apologise if it is described in there. But I am curious, because I have seen some people use this kind of what appears to be a likert scale (and hence subjective), whereas others do not.

James.

Originally Posted by alx

Is there a criteria and what is the standard to qualify as a "polishier" as opposed to a "pre-polisher"? Are we talking a Lv5 or a Lv5+ for the polisher? And anything below that is a pre-polisher? If so then what is the line of demarcation.
Some guidence would help. I have seen Maxim's videos on the difference between a Lv2 and Lv5, I have some experience with that test, but what are the standards being used now between the pre and the actual polisher? Alx

There are no standarts !
I use that scale most for my self and some of returning costumers, it is not general scale as all knows all Jnats is very very different. I can only set that scale up for my self and what stone i have used. So for me Lv 3 can be yours lv 4 or 5 or other way around !!
So it is only apply to my own research of what stones i have used.
For polisher or pre polisher there are also huge difference as all people prefer different edges from they razors some like lower grit edges some very high polished or super sharp ! So it is also personal preferens. I just chosen to call them that of what people demand of final polisher or pre polisher !

Thanks maxim - that makes sense. You are not the only one who uses a 1 to 5 scale for hardness and fineness etc. - I am sure I have seen it elsewhere too, but cannot put my finger on where. In any event it makes sense to do it for yourself to keep track of what stone fits where.

James.

Yes thats why sometimes i add "+" because i have tried harder stone then usual. But for me it seem 1 to 5 is the best scale to use, i think i have seen 330mate use it and metalmaster use it they just have many more "+" on they numbers then me
At firs i have thought about idea to make it from 1 to 100 but it will just be way to confusing for my self and for others too.
But really it is imposible to grade them perfectly as there are always harder and finer stone out there

I was just going to say 330mate, but you beat me to it Maxim!

Of course you are right - it is a purely subjective measure, and most people would understand that. How could it be otherwise - each japanese natural hone stone although sharing broad qualities with others of its type is a unique and individual thing in itself, just like natural hone stones from any other country, or even people for that matter. Try classifying people! For hones at least it is useful in a purely personal way - there is always someone who will disagree with you. I have no doubt that each hone could be classified if part of it was scientifically analysed but who is going to do that? Until they do, guestimates are the only thing we have.

Regards,
Neil

I think the theory of relativity may apply to stones as well as time

Originally Posted by onimaru55

I think the theory of relativity may apply to stones as well as time

Jnat = Lv2

BTW
This video was intended for knifes to see how fast stone release slurry on Kasumi knifes and what finish they give.
If i did it on razors effect will be much more different and you will not se any differens on video. That what is tricky with razors you will not see it but will feel it wile shaving That what is big differens for stones that intended for knifes or tools, or for razors that you can feel sharpness on your face !

It dose seem to be a fairly standard rating system, I have seen it out of 10 before but i cant remember where! It was either a chef place or woodworking place.

List of people i know who i have seen use the level 1-5 rating
Max (JNS)
Japan-tool
330mate_com - although for some reason almost all his stones are a 5+ and they are about as fine cutting as a 1k lol
metalmaster - I think they do a 5.5 rather then a 5+??? Quote: "NAKAYAMA ASAGI" 1030g Lv5.5//suitable for razor!!"

@ Alx - Do you have a rating system?

I have 330mate junkie that is easily my hardest jnat and i would have said it is a 5+ and that cuts below a pre polisher and due to its hardness it is a very slow cutter so why don't most vendors have a fineness rating as well?

I'm trying to soak as much of the jnat stuff in as i can, i love using the jnats stones. I will be getting one from you soon too Alx!