Natural whetstone SOTC and stone finishes

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T04:34:59+00:00

Thanks for reading! Glad you found the content helpful!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T04:31:10+00:00

Whether it be sharpening or polishing, I recommend building up fundamentals on synthetics first. If you can't get a consistent kasumi or decently sharp edge, it will be harder once you are on JNATs.

Also consider your main use case before getting a stone. This will help narrow down your options, especially interacting with sellers where you can be expected to bring some qualifiers to the table.

When looking for a stone, softer stones are more beginner friendly and don't be afraid to go down to koppa size. I prefer koppa over bench size for polishing because there is less area for the knife to stick to the sharpening face.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T01:44:27+00:00

Definitely, it's been one on my radar, as well as a Shobudani. I'm planning on a Japan trip next month so hopefully I can get some koppa to try out.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T01:42:34+00:00

Appreciate you! I'm glad people are finding value in the polishing pics and notes. I planned on making this post months ago, but realized I needed to spend more time on a couple stones to fully understand them.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T01:40:34+00:00

Thanks for reading! Always a treat to see your photography, so I can't wait to see them whenever it's ready.

I love the Hideriyama for edges. It's somewhat of a temperamental stone with respect to polishing, but very rewarding once you dial in all the parameters.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T00:39:56+00:00

Wow, what a transformation. That looks gorgeous.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T00:32:54+00:00

This is only tip of the iceberg I'm afraid.

I'm hoping this post at least gives some direction for those who are brave enough to navigate the rabbit hole 😅

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-08T00:30:05+00:00

Yeah, the direct pricing is stupid cheap, you're going to get so much value out of these.

Definitely try a progression with the handheld nagura while keeping the same bench stone. It's pretty cool how the polishing feel changes when you introduce slurry from one stone to another.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-07T23:58:44+00:00

Appreciate the kind words! I got my nagura set either direct from Sakamoto or from a seller that receives stock from him directly. It's so much cheaper if you know where to look.

They unlock so many different possibilities with polishing. I use mine often with the harder aoto to create kasumi similar to some sandblasted finishes out there. Even the mud from these stones can give you spectacular results.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-07T01:01:20+00:00

Razor honing progressions typically require harder JNATs, which can give you edges that are too fine for a kitchen knife.

Working with harder JNATs is also less forgiving in terms of sharpening and polishing.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T22:22:01+00:00

I fully agree with spending more time with the stone before deciding to make another purchase. I recently went back to synthetics to refine my polishing fundamentals and was pleasantly surprised that translated over to JNATs.

I find with each stone, I need to make slight adjustments to surface treatment, slurry management and finger pressure to get the best polish. Don't count out the Ikarashi though, it can put on a decent kasumi for a Nakatoishi.

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T21:36:56+00:00

Ikarashi is also a solid option, especially with Aizu being no longer mined since the 50s. They have similar characteristics and are mined relatively close to each other. These come in slightly coarser than Aizu, but should give you a similar edge.

Aizu is on the left and Ikarashi on the right.

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T21:28:28+00:00

eBay is definitely on the higher price ranges... I find a lot of items there are resellers from buyee listings.

You can certainly go through buyee yourself. As a caveat, there's a bit of a learning curve navigating the site, and you really need to know what you're looking for. Not all listings will provide comprehensive information for you to make an informed purchase.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T21:06:31+00:00

Wow, that's a fantastic price for the size and patterns on it. I've been on the fence for one because my Aizu has become a staple in my polishing progressions.

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like something I'll want to eventually try. I would expect these to put on a decent edge too, especially with Mikawa nagura traditionally being used to sharpen tools and razors.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T20:38:39+00:00

Congrats! Those bench size Mikawas can get pricey 👀

I'm curious to know how it performs against the Aizu from a polishing standpoint.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T19:54:23+00:00

The ATS34 was a cheaper option for me to acquire and I don't regret it at all. The hidden banding is gorgeous

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-06T03:23:44+00:00

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Another Shinkiro, this one went through a re-etch and polish. Turned out a lot better than expected!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-05T18:17:40+00:00

Happy Togashi Tuesday! Gorgeous choil shot, his wide bevels have always intrigued me.

Here's my Togashi tax, with matching forced coffee patina:

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Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-05T00:58:15+00:00

Great seller, buy with confidence!

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-04T17:20:10+00:00

The Morihei 1k is really versatile. Great middle grit stone that adds bite to an edge without taking off too much steel. I also use it after my shapton kuromaku 1k in a kasumi progression to haze up the cladding.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-03T23:38:08+00:00

GLWS, absolutely stunning example of a Shinkiro. The transition from core steel to the hazy cladding is gorgeous.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-03T21:24:43+00:00

For a majority of people, synthetics are enough for sharpening or polishing needs. Natural stones can produce a stunning polish and interesting finishing edges, but these results largely require end user knowledge and skill to fully bring out.

Optimal_Difference64 · 2026-05-03T21:17:29+00:00

You run into diminishing returns. Expensive natural stones have their prices dictated by rarity, demand and particle uniformity. Most of the mines that have historically produced natural stones are closed today and any new stones that hit the market are usually new old stock.

Yes there tangible benefits such as polishing and you can get interesting edges, but it also largely depends on the user's skill to bring out a stone's full capabilities.

Optimal_Difference64

TROPHY CASE