Thread: Japanese Stones

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with either of these stones? I think I've caught the HAD and have been looking around lately at lower grit stones, and since the site has a free shipping offer (coupon code FREESHIP) until 3/23 I thought I might give one of these a try.

Mountain Blue Large Natural Water Stone

Nonpariel Blue (Aoto) Water Stone

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I have a natural Aoto like the one in the top photo and like it. There are some corse inclusions that i have mined/ scratched out of the stone but over all the grit seams consistent. Over all it does its job of taking out course scratches of larger grit stones well. On the plus side it has grate feel and cuts fairly fast leaving a nice misty look to a blade.. On the minus side, its quite soft, very muddy/ dirty in use (smells like dirt/ wet earth) could have gritty flaws, the sides are not square (stone sits tilted) and It's bulky. I have heard that older better quality Aoto's are quite a bit better/ harder, more consistent, more expensive ect.. if i could find a nice old one i would buy it in a hot second. I do like the one i have though and it sits on my kitchen counter in water just waiting to touch up the kitchen knives that i don't bring to a high Polish. It works perfect for that. Its a little bit unforgiving as it lets you know right away if your sharpening too steeply by the knife digging i.... I have hears recently that these stones can get soft and "mushy" if stored in water so out it comes and we will see if it makes a deference...

For razors?.... I use it but im always a bit worried about random rocks in my slurry coming from the inclusions... .... Just another tool in my ever growing arsenal of stones.

Bill.....

Good review Bill.

For the prices on these I think it is worth the gamble if you are into nat whets.
If you really hate soft stones; slow down then.

One good thing, they are thick enough to choose the best side, not to mention provide a lot of material to wash away.

I thought there was some talk about the composite stone at japanesetools forum but all i found in search was: "The "Non-pareil" blue middle stone is very nice as well, but behaves more like natural middle stone."

There is a different feel to the stone depending on what side you use. I was told or read somewhere that the stone should be used on the same face as the natural cleavage is and not on the side with all the layers exposed..... honestly i can't tell what side is what so i just use the side that seems to be the finest and most consistent.. I have had this stone for 6 or 7 years and still can't quite fully figure it out. Not a complaint but i think more the reality of having a natural stone with 4 equal sides available to hone on and a brain that can't quite remember which side i used last!!!