Thread: Translation of Stamps on Japanese Stones

Could somebody please translate the stamps on these three stones? I've been offered them but I don't know what any of them say. Thanks.

See my thread here.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

See my thread here.

I completely forgot about your thread. Thanks.

After looking at your info, these stones seem to have everything. They also have extra writing on the top left of each stone. Do you know what they mean? Would you consider these stones valuable?

Originally Posted by TstebinsB

I completely forgot about your thread. Thanks.

After looking at your info, these stones seem to have everything. They also have extra writing on the top left of each stone. Do you know what they mean?

The extra writing is what someone has randomly written. 中山 is the normal way of writing Nakayama. 正本山 is the technical term for these stones to represent Nakayama. 戸前　doesn't seem to have any meaning, so might be another technical term, if you can wait until next week, I can ask my contact if I have time to meet. Otherwise you could ask your contact, who may know.

On the last hone there is 2 more characters, 梨地　this means Nashiji, again this is someones own handwriting. If it is Nashiji, its not bery well pronounced. If you look at the one in my thread, you can see the distinct patterning.

Originally Posted by TstebinsB

Would you consider these stones valuable?

They could very well be quite valuable depending on their quality and price. The top one, has a crack as you can see, so you need to test and assess whether or not that will affect your razor when honing. Some do and some dont. I have used a hone with a hairline crack, which had no effect on the razor I used, you couldn't tell it was there other than by looking at it.

The top and middle ones look more like Asagi, which is normally very, very hard and slow cutting.

The middle one, looks promising and depending on its price, it could be very valuable indeed. It could also be a lemon.

Thank you very much for the info. It's been a great help.

As for the price, they're each $50 USD. That's not bad at all. I'm close with the seller though so that's why he's offering them for so low a price.

Originally Posted by TstebinsB

Thank you very much for the info. It's been a great help.

As for the price, they're each $50 USD. That's not bad at all. I'm close with the seller though so that's why he's offering them for so low a price.

Pleasure to help. That's a mighty fine price. You sure got some amazing contacts.

Here is my stone, I got it for $50 in Burkley CA (Hida Tool) it's around a 6k in feel and edge. Hard and not to fast a cutter but cuts well enough. The color seems close to what you have there.

The correct translation is "Property of The Traveller'
"Please contact Traveller for return shipping address"

Originally Posted by Traveller

The correct translation is "Property of The Traveller'
"Please contact Traveller for return shipping address"

LOL !!!