I had been practicing my honing on these old King soakers that were given to me by a friend. I had a 1200, 800 and an unknown 220. All three were old soakers, likely purchased 20 years ago. I flattened them and went to work on a vintage Imperial that had a nick in the bevel. These old stones were great because they allowed me to practice my stroke and develop a bit of muscle memory. But they don't slurry and they don't hold slurry made with a Nagura. And they don't hold water - thirsty stones! I would spend two or three half hour sessions each day with these stones. The practice was great but after a few days the nick wasn't going anywhere. It just kept laughing back up at me.
Today I got my Naniwa Professional series stones. These used to be called choseras. I got a 600 and 800 for heavy lifting only. The beaters I get off the bay for practice usually have nicks. Well it was quite an experience. These stones hold slurry and water and they can cut! In about 20 minutes, the nick was almost gone. I would have removed it completely, but I have a real job so I will get back to it tomorrow.
Most importantly, by holding water and slurry, the blade rides under the water and stays sucked to the stone. This makes the stroke so much easier and faster. What a difference a stone makes!
Today I got my Naniwa Professional series stones. These used to be called choseras. I got a 600 and 800 for heavy lifting only. The beaters I get off the bay for practice usually have nicks. Well it was quite an experience. These stones hold slurry and water and they can cut! In about 20 minutes, the nick was almost gone. I would have removed it completely, but I have a real job so I will get back to it tomorrow.
Most importantly, by holding water and slurry, the blade rides under the water and stays sucked to the stone. This makes the stroke so much easier and faster. What a difference a stone makes!
