For whatever reason, a lot of people come to me with questions about the topics I discuss here, namely razors and stones. In particular, I get a lot of specific requests in regards to identifying Japanese hones. I am by nature a person who likes to help whenever I can, so I don't really like to say no. However, it is important to recognize the limits of what I can do.

It has been weird around here for me. I'm not sure what has happened, but it's different.

A long time ago, originally on a blog not too diffrent from this one, I talked about a new kamisori/razor maker in Japan. He's still around, and I recently was tasked with seeing how his razors have progressed. I'm afraid, though, I have no good news.

I've read your emails and comments, thank you all very much. We're working on a solution that is livable for everyone involved.

I know it's kind of odd to do this, but I'm at a loss as to what to do in my current situation, and as it is quite relevant to my readers, I thought Id ask what you all think I should do.

I made a video demonstrating how I test hones when I visit a hone dealer.

I just got back from another trip to Kyoto and I saw a couple of things you might like...

I know, in a coldly intellectual way, that wading into any kind of internet “discussion” (read: argument) is pointless. Not only does it never end in convincing anyone, the stakes are so low that the energy is totally wasted. That being said, the position I have found myself in leads people to ask me my position on any number of contentions issues regarding Japanese razors and stones. And so here I am, preemptively striking as it were, on the issue of soaking stones.

Everything is sold. Thanks!