Aizu

[Slim278]

Could any of you natural specialists tell me anything about this Aizu and distributor? The description has it listed as 1000 grit. My limited understanding is these stones are supposed to be closer to 3000 grit.
I am thinking of purchasing a natural to finish my J knives on. I have various low grit synthetics and Chosera stones up to 3000. Is an Aizu a good place to start?

I am a little reluctant to jump down this rabbit hole as I don't really need any natural stones and know very little about them.


Thanks

 

[DHunter86]

I've been eyeing that particular Aizu for awhile, but haven't pulled the trigger as I already have two Aizutos. I'm not sure how it compares to other specimens, but Ikkyu-Japan has sold a couple of these in the past, all listed as 1000 grit, so I'm not sure whether they are underestimating the grit. Just reach out directly to them to see whether they can send you photos of the finish on a knife.

The two Aizutos I have are in the 3000 to 5000 grit range, so I'd say they follow well from the Chosera 3000.

Regarding the seller, they are trustworthy, and very forthcoming with information if you have questions. Myself, and couple of others (e.g. @AFKitchenknivesguy) here have had quite some interaction with him. Their suitas are reasonably priced and have so far out-performed the expectations one gets from their descriptions.

 

[AFKitchenknivesguy]

Couldn't have said it better. Presentation is their strength i.e. how they wrap and box your stone. No complaints.

 

[childermass]

I think the grit estimate is too low. Would not be the first time I saw this, I had an Aizu advertised as 1k that finished around 3-4k.
In my experience with many different Aizu the differences between them are very subtle, these stones are usually very consistent

As for the seller, I haven’t bought from them myself but heard lots of good things about the quality of their stones.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this stone, especially for the price.

 

[Slim278]

Well, that take care of that. I went to purchase the stone and they are sold out.

Thanks everyone for the input on this. If anyone know of a good deal on one of these stones, please let me know.

 

[DHunter86]

drop them a message, it's still in stock on their eBay page (can't believe I'm telling you this , quickly save me the hole in my pocket...). See if they can give you direct via PayPal instead of through eBay.

eBay item number: 164380833287.

There's an extra 7% or so charge through eBay for them, so you can get the savings if they give you direct.

 

[DHunter86]

let us know how the quality of the stone turns out.

 

[toddnmd]

I’ve wondered how often posts to specific products asking for guidance get snagged by someone else on here. At least there are other Aizu to be found if this doesn’t work out.
GLWB!

 

[Robert Lavacca]

I’ve wondered how often posts to specific products asking for guidance get snagged by someone else on here. At least there are other Aizu to be found if this doesn’t work out.
GLWB!

Yeah, that’s kind of cold.

 

[sofarfrome]

Don't know if you bought a stone yet but it is available HERE. Stone #2

 

[Slim278]

Don't know if you bought a stone yet but it is available HERE. Stone #2

Yes, I did see those stones. However, I messaged Watanabe about his Aizu stones and some petty knives on his special page and magically the prices of both the petty and the stones increased. I would rather give my money to someone who does not do business in that manner.

 

[inferno]

lol

how much did he increase the price?

 

[sofarfrome]

Yes, I did see those stones. However, I messaged Watanabe about his Aizu stones and some petty knives on his special page and magically the prices of both the petty and the stones increased. I would rather give my money to someone who does not do business in that manner.

$185 + shipping for that Watanabe 150mm Petty is an excellent price. If a saya or different handle is requested the price goes up. I have been doing business with Watanabe for years. Never disappointed. Stones and blades. I recently bought a rare Komo nagura stone and he sent another one for free. I would say identical but not sure what mine it came from. IMHO, you will be hard pressed to purchase a petty in the quality of the one he has available right now for a better price than $185.

 

[Slim278]

lol

how much did he increase the price?

The stone went from 18000 19000 JPY and the petty went from 13000 to 18000 JPY. I was going to buy both, now I will buy neither.

 

[Slim278]

I got my Aizu and I am quite happy with it. Cleaned up nicely and finishes higher than my Chosera 3k. Works very well after 1k. I also ended up picking up a second beautiful brick of Aizu from a fellow forum member.

 

[Blank Blades.]

Yeah, I dont

I’ve wondered how often posts to specific products asking for guidance get snagged by someone else on here. At least there are other Aizu to be found if this doesn’t work out.
GLWB!

I don't buy a ton of naturals, but if I'm looking into getting a new one. I'm usually to afraid to post questions about them here for just that reason.

 

[Olsen]

I have two Aizus and they are both in the 3000-5000 ish range. My JNS6000 is a bit finer than my aizus

 

[Olsen]

I am a little reluctant to jump down this rabbit hole as I don't really need any natural stones and know very little about them.

What rabbit hole? You only have to buy one or maybe two jnats and you are set for life.... no need to jump into the rabbit hole. I only have about 50 Jnats so characterising it as a rabbit hole is maybe a bit too much. I am in total control and only have the bare minimum needed to cope with everyday knife sharpening and polishing

 

[M1k3]

What rabbit hole? You only have to buy one or maybe two jnats and you are set for life.... no need to jump into the rabbit hole. I only have about 50 Jnats so characterising it as a rabbit hole is maybe a bit too much. I am in total control and only have the bare minimum needed to cope with everyday knife sharpening and polishing

Do you have any of your fancy rocks on display?

 

[bonody]

I think the grit estimate is too low. Would not be the first time I saw this, I had an Aizu advertised as 1k that finished around 3-4k.
In my experience with many different Aizu the differences between them are very subtle, these stones are usually very consistent

As for the seller, I haven’t bought from them myself but heard lots of good things about the quality of their stones.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this stone, especially for the price.

Sorry to dig up this old thread, but I've seen Ikkyu list Binsui from Amakusa, Kumamoto as ~2k. Meanwhile, Strata lists theirs as 600-1.2k.
Can anyone explain this? As opposed to Aizus, do stones coming out of Amakusa have more variability?

 

[Slim278]

The stone I got from Ikkyu was rough sawn not flattened and finished. With the aizu, I can see how it would feel like a lower grit before it is flattened.

 

[Carbondx]

Personally, I don’t think the concept of grit should be used in JNATs. The scratch patterns and hardness should be what you consider

 

[nutmeg]

Personally, I don’t think the concept of grit should be used in JNATs. The scratch patterns and hardness should be what you consider

That's right. Some 3k synth leave a close-to-mirror finish and you can still see the scratches easily.
Some Jnats leave a total matte/hazy finish and you can't see a scratch pattern with naked eye.