Thread: Naniwa or Not Niwa?

I bought what I thought was a Naniwa Superstone from eBay (about 8 Months ago). The packaging looked fine, but the more I use it the more questions I have.

Colors looked right when I bought it. Marked S3000 and S8000 on the end like a Naniwa should be.

When I am honing I can feel occasional random lumps in the grit while honing. Larger on the 3000 grit and a few smaller on the 8000 grit. Not on the stone, it's smooth. It may be from the Duct Tape I am using on the spine, but I can't be sure.

Is this common in the Naniwa stones, or did I buy a cheap copy of the original Naniwa?... or is it just the Duct tape?

I have started questioning lately when I realized I can cut arm hairs coming off of my 1000 grit Norton India, then can't cut hair after 3000 grit on this stone. If I progress through the 8000 grit then go to my C12k. It just feels like I fall back a bit on the 3000 and make it up on the 8000.