Got two stones now that do exactly the same thing in my polishing progression - clean core steel and lay down a very good base polish for fine stones or finishing step for when I’m not chasing any dragons and just want a good contrasty kasumi. Good 5-7k ish edges of both. Both up for grabs and will keep the other!
Maruo Kuro Renge suita - $420
197x73x35 - base leveled with resin for strength and stability
Extremely clean with no lines and no su. Firmer than a shirosuita but comparable grit. With slurry extremely fast and easy to use and without still easy to use . I’d did drop it once a small layer in one corner popped off. I glued it back on and lapped it true. I sharpen and polish over this area frequently and never notice it in feel of effect anymore.
Tomae - $500
220x114x36
A big softy. Extremely large and very clean. Very easy to use being softer than the Maruo but just as fine. Absolutely kasumi monster. Very pretty and unique stone as well. More maroon and green than the photo captures. Sealed in cashew or urushi and mounted to a base. Mine is unknown.
Polish is indicative of performance of both stones but was finished with the tomae - they really do leave much the same finish.
Maruo Kuro Renge suita - $420
197x73x35 - base leveled with resin for strength and stability
Extremely clean with no lines and no su. Firmer than a shirosuita but comparable grit. With slurry extremely fast and easy to use and without still easy to use . I’d did drop it once a small layer in one corner popped off. I glued it back on and lapped it true. I sharpen and polish over this area frequently and never notice it in feel of effect anymore.
Tomae - $500
220x114x36
A big softy. Extremely large and very clean. Very easy to use being softer than the Maruo but just as fine. Absolutely kasumi monster. Very pretty and unique stone as well. More maroon and green than the photo captures. Sealed in cashew or urushi and mounted to a base. Mine is unknown.
Polish is indicative of performance of both stones but was finished with the tomae - they really do leave much the same finish.