Thread: Any experience with Suehiro Gokumyo Hones?

Is anybody familiar with the Suehiro Gokumyo line of ceramic whetstones? I purchased the 20k grit stone as a fine finisher and was so impressed with them that I purchased 10 others. The premier Gokumyo only come in 10k, 15k, and 20k; so I will have all of them. In addition I bought the Suehiro Gokumyo-Taiga line, from 300 grit to 1500 grit. I also got the Gokumyo Debabo 2000 and 6000. They have an intriguing stone known as the Ryu, which is a dual density of the same grit. I got one in 1k grit to try it out, but if the stones are like my 20k stones, I think I may have found a hone that beats out the choseras. Now I'm not putting down the choseras: I have the entire set of them and have been honing on them for years with a lot of satisfaction, but I wanted to try something different.

The Suehiro's are actually more expensive than the Choseras, if you can believe that; but I was so impressed with the one stone I purchased 10 Suehiros. They require a slightly different technique, but they have an amazing feel to them, and they leave a polished edge that "pops" hair upon contact; it's really amazing. If anybody has significant experience with these stones I'd love to hear your feedback. The back story I got on the company was that they created the stones essentially on a dare or something.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell you where I purchased them from, but it was a place in Japan. They gave me a great discount and were a joy to work with.

I've been honing since my grandfather taught me when I was 12, and it seems like the synthetic stones just keep getting better and better. I love, and rely on my choseras, but I must admit, I can't wait to get my honing hands on these Suehiros!!!!

Originally Posted by MaximusVessicus

Is anybody familiar with the Suehiro Gokumyo line of ceramic whetstones? I purchased the 20k grit stone as a fine finisher and was so impressed with them that I purchased 10 others. The premier Gokumyo only come in 10k, 15k, and 20k; so I will have all of them. In addition I bought the Suehiro Gokumyo-Taiga line, from 300 grit to 1500 grit. I also got the Gokumyo Debabo 2000 and 6000. They have an intriguing stone known as the Ryu, which is a dual density of the same grit. I got one in 1k grit to try it out, but if the stones are like my 20k stones, I think I may have found a hone that beats out the choseras. Now I'm not putting down the choseras: I have the entire set of them and have been honing on them for years with a lot of satisfaction, but I wanted to try something different.

Yessir, I do use the 15 and 20k Gokumyo.
I have also placed an order for the 400, the 2000 and the 6000 Gokumyo Debado.
The 20K is, to me, the most impressive finisher I have ever tried. Period.
I can match the results from it on a select few Japanese Naturals, but not every time, on every steel like with this one.
It is simply put the Bee's knees and then some

I look forward to testing the rest of the range as well, and my hopes are definitely up!

Originally Posted by Birnando

Yessir, I do use the 15 and 20k Gokumyo.
I have also placed an order for the 400, the 2000 and the 6000 Gokumyo Debado.
The 20K is, to me, the most impressive finisher I have ever tried. Period.
I can match the results from it on a select few Japanese Naturals, but not every time, on every steel like with this one.
It is simply put the Bee's knees and then some

I look forward to testing the rest of the range as well, and my hopes are definitely up!

I'm not sure where you purchased them from, or if I'm allowed to divulge vendor information, but the place I got them from gave me 15% off plus upgraded my shipping to EMS which accounts for about a total of a 22% discount; and he threw in a lapping device for free. Do you know anything about the dual density Ryu? It's the same grit on both sides but at different densities on either side, which is a bit of a conundrum to me. It's a shame they are so expensive, but in this case you get what you pay for!

Originally Posted by MaximusVessicus

I'm not sure where you purchased them from, or if I'm allowed to divulge vendor information, but the place I got them from gave me 15% off plus upgraded my shipping to EMS which accounts for about a total of a 22% discount; and he threw in a lapping device for free. Do you know anything about the dual density Ryu? It's the same grit on both sides but at different densities on either side, which is a bit of a conundrum to me. It's a shame they are so expensive, but in this case you get what you pay for!

I have bought from both of them
At the time I decided to go for the 15 and 20K, I was only able to locate them in Germany.
Now, the ones I have on order are from the vendor you are talking about

No, I haven't tried the dual density stones, but they sound intriguing for sure.
I do believe they are a bit more known in the knife world though, and perhaps there are more info to gather about them in those arenas?
I'm sure Stu will be able to provide some good info on them!

Originally Posted by Birnando

I have bought from both of them
At the time I decided to go for the 15 and 20K, I was only able to locate them in Germany.
Now, the ones I have on order are from the vendor you are talking about

No, I haven't tried the dual density stones, but they sound intriguing for sure.
I do believe they are a bit more known in the knife world though, and perhaps there are more info to gather about them in those arenas?
I'm sure Stu will be able to provide some good info on them!

That's great; Stu seems to be a hell of a guy. Just wish the dollar was stronger in comparison to the yen, because I could only find these stones on Japanese retail websites. I figured I'd buy one dual-density at 1k; perhaps it will prove to be more ideal in setting bevels? Who knows... Let me know your experiences with them!

Originally Posted by MaximusVessicus

That's great; Stu seems to be a hell of a guy. Just wish the dollar was stronger in comparison to the yen, because I could only find these stones on Japanese retail websites. I figured I'd buy one dual-density at 1k; perhaps it will prove to be more ideal in setting bevels? Who knows... Let me know your experiences with them!

I believe that is the 1K I just tested. Fairly expensive for a 1K. Nice results, but a slow stone. It feels pretty hard and has less feedback than others I have tested. The Chosera 1K, is still tops in my book. However, the 20K is a great stone!

Have fun

'Wish you could talk about the supplier. I've only seen one or two w/ websites from Japan.

I'm more curious about this stone than any natural, at this point.

Originally Posted by pinklather

'Wish you could talk about the supplier. I've only seen one or two w/ websites from Japan.

I'm more curious about this stone than any natural, at this point.

I bought them from Japan!

Here is a site that sells them.......

Tools from Japan, Japanese woodworking tools direct from Japan.

So, the stones are finally here.
I have just been goofing around with them tonight, honing 4 razors and a couple Japanese kitchen knives on them.

Way to soon to say much at all about them at this stage naturally, but I will put them thru the paces in the coming days
One thing is for sure though, these are huge.
I knew their size when ordering, but seeing them next to my other more standard sized synthetics where a bit of a shock.

I'll get back with my impressions on them when I have done some 50 more razors or so on them
As of right now, I haven't decided to dedicate them to knife-sharpening, razor honing, or both!