It really depends on the hone. They vary a lot, some would be fine to use after 8k others won't do much, unless you have a finer edge.
So what you are saying is you got the "hotter" of the twin japanese super models?
What can you tell me about the family? Is she a Kiita?
But yeah, mine doesn't have that "piece" missing out of the side. Nakayama Kiita, meaning its of the yellowish color grade & from the mine while under the control of the Nakayama family IIRC. Damn fine finishing stone.That's the thing, 'best' really means nothing in this context. It's only best for a particular task. For example from the naniwa superstones line the best hone for setting a bevel is 1000 if you want quick job, or 3000 if you don't mind spending more time.
Right, we've seen this seller on ebay, and I'm not sure how his system of ratings translates to honing straight razors. When I bought japanese hone the seller hones and shaves with straight razors and since he had actually tested the hone he told me how it performs in an actual honing of straight razors. I didn't want the hardest or the finest hone possible, but some people will want that.
