whetstone sourcing?

S

schmiddy

Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
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I've been dreaming for awhile about Japanese natural water stones. Its pretty complicated trying to judge value on these stones. Is it a good stone? Is the size appropriate? Is the grit and hardness appropriate? How long will the stone last? When and where was the stone mined? Is the stone a good value taking all this into account? Being that they are natural there is just so much to it.

I really need to trust the source. I've found several dealers but really don't know who to trust. Does anyone have experience with any of these dealers? Im interested in buying a stone in the 8K-10K range and a stone that is much higher for polishing. Its not that my needs cant be met from other stones. I guess its really the romance of natural Japanese stones that draws me in.
 
Fully understand :D

One correction though, whetstone means sharpening stone or whet- "to sharpen"

Waterstones are waterstones.

I have experience in this area myself and also know some others that can help but need to know a bit about your uses. What steels, what knives, stone preference- soft/muddy or hard/need slurry stone, price range, stone size. It all matters when selecting a natural for your needs.
 
Ken Schwartz is a true gentleman, and both studies and sells J-nats.

He sells his stuff (range of synthetic and natural waterstones, J-nats, micro-scale stropping compounds and other goodies) over at "Ken's Corner" on ChefKnivesToGo, and responds quickly to email. I have done a fair bit of business with him before, and his conduct has always been entirely honorable and without reproach.
 
Japan Woodworker and Hida Tool both carry natural stones and have knowledgeable salespeople. I've purchased tools from both businesses and had no problems...YMMV
 
knifenut1013 said:
Fully understand :D

One correction though, whetstone means sharpening stone or whet- "to sharpen"

Waterstones are waterstones.

I have experience in this area myself and also know some others that can help but need to know a bit about your uses. What steels, what knives, stone preference- soft/muddy or hard/need slurry stone, price range, stone size. It all matters when selecting a natural for your needs.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the good leads guys and thanks for the clarification. I always wondered about the spelling Wh. In the waterstone arena Im just looking for a final finish stone or polishing stone. One that needs a slurry stone or nagura. I guess some people use a diamond sharpener to make slurry. Seems like it would wear out your stone faster that way. For price and size, Im looking for the best stone I can get my hands on for no more than $200-$300. Maybe when I'm rich Ill buy that $20k stone. For now I have to enjoy something smaller. Because every stone is different it feels like a gamble when buying one of these stones. One guy I found claims to have actually tested and shaved with each stone and rates it based on the edge he got from it. It sounds like the stones themselves even change over time because unlike synthetic stones, some natural material will break down into smaller particles as you use the stones.
 
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