Thread: Chinese waterstone? (not PHIG)

I tried searching the threads here, but I was unable to find what I was looking for. I think the reason why is because I have basically no information to go on. Anyway, a friend of mine asked me if he should buy a Chinese water stone rather than a Japanese one. I assumed that he was talking about the ~12k natural Chinese PHIG stone. But when he sent me the link, I realized that I had never seen or heard of what he showed me. I'm not sure if people around these parts have experience with these stones, but since they claim to be for barbers and razors I thought I'd ask and see. Here are a couple of links to ebay auctions with the stones in question:

Baber Water Hone Waterstone 4 Straight Razor 1500 Grit | eBay

2800 Grit Water Hone Waterstone Whetstone Polishing Barber Straight Open Razor | eBay

Baber Water Hone Waterstone 4 Straight Razor 1800 Grit | eBay

The grit numbers seem to be on the low end of things, but they also talk about how the numbering is different. I'm almost wondering if the numbering system is in reverse because it talked about the #2800 stone being coarse. But the descriptions are so vague that I feel like it's just a shot in the dark to get one of these things. I am almost inclined to get one out of curiosity. But I figured that it would be better to ask first to see if anyone knows more about them. Thanks in advance!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but AFAIK they're more suited for knives (even though the 2800 one says straight)...I've seen em before (not in person) but never pulled the trigger on one..

I have ""heard"" that the 18oo is a good mid range stone of about 2K+ grit between tor bevel set and 4K+.
I do not have personal experience with the stone
~Richard

Didn't some guys hone on Jade?

From the pictures it looks like the 1500 and 1800 could be synthetic hones. The 2800 grit looks like a natural which could be like the ones we know. You're cheaper off buying the natural from Woodcraft or the Polish seller (for Europeans).

Honestly, I wouldn't even mess with them. If your friend is just starting out, he should stick with something of known quality. If your an established user, and are proficient with honing, those stones would be nice to experiment with, but I wouldn't want them as my only hones.

I even tried to use different slurries, Under magnifications it leaves blades very scratchy
Not worth a damn