Griffith Shaving Goods
Kouzaki Aoto Japanese Natural Toishi Whetstone for Knives and Razors
Menge:
Approximate Dimensions/Weight:
185 mm long × 65 mm wide × 72 mm tall / 2075 grams
This vintage piece of high quality Aoto from the Kouzaki mine in the Tanba region is a very impressive specimen which is an excellent bevel setting stone for razors. At over 70 mm tall, it is guaranteed to last multiple lifetimes with proper care and upkeep. This is a hard stone and unlike most Aoto on the market today. The stone has the original sticker, Lacquered on and preserved. The color is is deep dark blue/black and has a rugged look that defies its delicate feel in use. It has very consistent particle uniformity making it great for razors. There are 2 hairline lines on the surface. They can't be felt and don't release bad particles. I think it's oxidation due to being stored for a very very long time. Likely since the 1960-1970’s.
Honing on water only is a treat as the stone is hard and smooth with a hint of sharp, but uniform self slurry particulate present under the blade. There is also a slight feeling of resistance or elasticity that is very unique. There is a straightforward feeling of cutting action from the self slurry and the stone is quite efficient on water only.
With light diamond slurry, the feeling changes and moves from resistance to smooth but more granular feeling. This indicates an increase in cutting speed and scratch removal capabilities. The resulting edge is very aggressive and toothy and devoid of any medium grit scratches. The finish is bright but hazy.
This stone was tested using multiple Tomo Nagura as well. Being a hard stone, a Tomo Nagura will bring out finer mud than a diamond plate so I tried a few of varying hardness. The harder Tomo Nagura worked very well in bringing out a high percentage of the Aoto’s slurry. Softer Tomo Nagura were abraded by the Aoto and released more of themselves into the mix. Each Nagura yielded a different result so having multiple Tomo Nagura is always a good thing.
For knives, this is a dream Aoto. Being a fast cutting, hard stone is beneficial as you can start out with firm pressure removing coarser scratches and inducing self slurry. The finish starts out deep and dark but as you relieve pressure and shorten your stroke, the mud breaks down. This is one of the most important factors in a quality Aoto. It should have a firm enough base to allow for particle breakdown without releasing new, coarser particles. The finish is very beautiful with shiny but darker Jigane and bright, lightly hazy Hagane. A true pleasure to use and near Museum Quality piece.
185 mm long × 65 mm wide × 72 mm tall / 2075 grams
This vintage piece of high quality Aoto from the Kouzaki mine in the Tanba region is a very impressive specimen which is an excellent bevel setting stone for razors. At over 70 mm tall, it is guaranteed to last multiple lifetimes with proper care and upkeep. This is a hard stone and unlike most Aoto on the market today. The stone has the original sticker, Lacquered on and preserved. The color is is deep dark blue/black and has a rugged look that defies its delicate feel in use. It has very consistent particle uniformity making it great for razors. There are 2 hairline lines on the surface. They can't be felt and don't release bad particles. I think it's oxidation due to being stored for a very very long time. Likely since the 1960-1970’s.
Honing on water only is a treat as the stone is hard and smooth with a hint of sharp, but uniform self slurry particulate present under the blade. There is also a slight feeling of resistance or elasticity that is very unique. There is a straightforward feeling of cutting action from the self slurry and the stone is quite efficient on water only.
With light diamond slurry, the feeling changes and moves from resistance to smooth but more granular feeling. This indicates an increase in cutting speed and scratch removal capabilities. The resulting edge is very aggressive and toothy and devoid of any medium grit scratches. The finish is bright but hazy.
This stone was tested using multiple Tomo Nagura as well. Being a hard stone, a Tomo Nagura will bring out finer mud than a diamond plate so I tried a few of varying hardness. The harder Tomo Nagura worked very well in bringing out a high percentage of the Aoto’s slurry. Softer Tomo Nagura were abraded by the Aoto and released more of themselves into the mix. Each Nagura yielded a different result so having multiple Tomo Nagura is always a good thing.
For knives, this is a dream Aoto. Being a fast cutting, hard stone is beneficial as you can start out with firm pressure removing coarser scratches and inducing self slurry. The finish starts out deep and dark but as you relieve pressure and shorten your stroke, the mud breaks down. This is one of the most important factors in a quality Aoto. It should have a firm enough base to allow for particle breakdown without releasing new, coarser particles. The finish is very beautiful with shiny but darker Jigane and bright, lightly hazy Hagane. A true pleasure to use and near Museum Quality piece.
