| The shokunin craftsperson thrives in an atmosphere that encourages a better product and better performance, proper sharpening stones are an integral part of the formula. For actually shaving wood, sharper is always better. Adjust the bevel angle, incorporate a micro-bevel, whatever, the tool has to be sharp in order to cut and the only way to do that is with an abrasive to the steel. If you were a student under a master, you may continue to use the same abrasives and sharpening techniques as your teacher. The world of sharpening stones has changed in the last 20 years with better synthetics and with the re-discovery of the ancient natural stones of the world. Your teacher was always searching for a sharper edge, and you are too. I use and encourage others to use the finest product that is within their budget, and the synthetic stones will fit the bill for most jobs up into the 10,000 to 15,000 grit range. Beyond the 15k range it is immediately apparent that the age old struggle between Man & Nature is still being fought, forged, and debated within the trades. We of the last half of the 20th century were denied access to some of the old ways and tools of our predecessors, denied by market manipulation, hype, high cost or availability. For instance many of the old European tools were composed of bi-metal blades or simple high carbon steel. But high speed and exotic steels took over the market in the early 1900's and those fine old basic high carbon blades became collectors items. In the 1970's with the craft and revival movement in the U.S. & Europe, some of those collector planes and saws and sharpening stones were dusted off and incorporated into the quivers of some crafty and dedicated wood workers in the building and cabinet trades. And It wasn't long before the trend in crafts and a general interest in Asia spilled over into the arts and crafts movement especially on the west coast of the U.S. and amongst pockets of interested craftspeople worldwide. In those days I had a lovely set of older Marples mortise chisels and a set of Japanese saws. Before I knew it I had bought a set of Japanese chisels and then a few more saws. After this I was never tempted to go back to the Disston push saws of my grandfather or the high speed steel chisels of my father. I had my share of King red bricks and Arkansas white and black stones and I even tried to use an old german razor hone on my tools. But in 1978 when I bought my first natural Japanese tennen toishi-sharpening stone for my chisels and plane blades it became a new ball game. The selection of Japanese sharpening stones on the following pages were amassed by me over a period of about 3 years. Each and every stone was hand selected and most came from a hoard of forgotten stock in a store in a small town int the mountains of Japan and many more from a private collection in another part of Japan. The tennen toishi finishing stones are better at sharpening Japanese chisels and plane blades than any synthetic stone available. In the 20,000 to 40,000 grit range you will spend less time honing your blades while enjoying the sharpening process more. Each stone will be shipped to you from my shop in California by USPS Priority mail. Also I want you to feel that buying an expensive stone over the Internet does not have to include "taking a chance" or on "getting a dud". My goal is for you to be happy with your purchase. I will work with you to find a stone that suits your needs. Any stone purchased from the website here comes with a money back guarantee of satisfaction. . |
| Dear Rockhounds |
TheJapanBlade
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |