Naniwa Gouken Kagayaki Japanese Waterstone Grit #12000 / 20mm

[JamieM]

I've been playing around with a new stone that came in from Japan, I haven't seen this stone available in the UK or Europe, the stone and its composition and how it feels remind me very much of a Naniwa Snow White, the stone with a Shrimp printed on it, a very fine stone no soak just spray and go, I said years ago I wished that Naniwa made the Snow White range in a 12K, well it looks like they do, I love the old Naniwa Super Stone, this feels and looks a little different, size 210 x 70 x 20mm, here's a short video I made after honing my Iwasaki on this stone, very positive feedback I am impressed.

 

[BlacknTan]

I've been using the Kagayaki series for a few months now... in 8K, 10K and 12K. I have not tried every synthetic stone out there, but I honestly don't see how anything could better these stones, and the 12K rivals the best high grit synthetics out there, IMHO.
I've got the 20mm thick versions, to counteract the original SuperStones chief weakness... their absolute refusal to remain flat.

 

[JamieM]

I've been using the Kagayaki series for a few months now... in 8K, 10K and 12K. I have not tried every synthetic stone out there, but I honestly don't see how anything could better these stones, and the 12K rivals the best high grit synthetics out there, IMHO.
I've got the 20mm thick versions, to counteract the original SuperStones chief weakness... their absolute refusal to remain flat.

I have an older 12K Super stone more than 4 years old use it weekly soak it every time I use it not had a single problem with the stone remaining flat, it's a 20mm thick stone, so maybe the problem comes with the 10mm stones.

 

[BlacknTan]

+I agree Jamie,
What I was referring to were the old SuperStones mounted in the plastic bases.. They were quite thin..

 

[JamieM]

Bill, none of my stones ever came with bases I don't own a synthetic stone with a base, my Chosera or Naniwa stones, plus they are all 20mm stones.

 

[BlacknTan]

I started out with the SuperStones perhaps 15 years ago, Jamie.. They were "de rigueur" at that time. I have them packed away now, but I'd guess they were about 10mm thick, glued onto the base. Most of the grits had a nice feel, but some were a bit "sticky.." and water hogs.

Naniwa Super Stone 1000 grit Sharpening whetstone waterstone (chefknivespro.com.au)

 

[JamieM]

OK, I have honed 5 razors with this stone and shaved off one, I can say to all prospective buyers, If you already own the older Naniwa 12K don't buy this stone, there is no gain or advantage, it's just an equal the only reason you may want to buy it, it's the 20mm over the normal 10mm Super stones, as I hone a lot of razors this won't go to waste it's a good back up a spare stone for me.

 

[BlacknTan]

I totally agree with Jamie. The Kagayaki 12K could be the ultimate synthetic stone for finishing work. I respect the entire Gouken series very highly!

 

[Nishy]

OK, I have honed 5 razors with this stone and shaved off one, I can say to all prospective buyers, If you already own the older Naniwa 12K don't buy this stone, there is no gain or advantage, it's just an equal the only reason you may want to buy it, it's the 20mm over the normal 10mm Super stones, as I hone a lot of razors this won't go to waste it's a good back up a spare stone for me.

Thank god I can save myself some money
I have your original 12k Naniwa SS still using it to good effect.

 

[Steve56]

My friend over in Newport, Tennessee did this for our Naniwa 12k stones, maybe not needed but a fun idea, and should be helpful if the stone ever wears down (not that likely). A Naniwa Glass Stone! He did a great job, no bubbles and he satin finished the glass.

 

[BlacknTan]

That looks like a great idea Steve!!

 

[JamieM]

To be honest, I have never ever had any trouble with Naniwa stones, I always had 20mm stones and no bases, I think bases stop the stones from drying correctly and evenly by holding water.