Natural Stones

1-5 Scale: 1 = Less, 5 = More
Hardness Level: 2.5
Scratch Depth: 4
Speed: 4
Wear Rate: 2.5
Self Slurry: 3.5
Ease of Use: 4

Recommended Uses: Lighter repairs and bevel setting, toothy edges, very hazy kasumi, first or second stone in a polishing sequence. 

Notes: Amakusa tend to have a poor reputation because they are inexpensive and sometimes inconsistent if poor quality (no surprise there). But we have found quality options that are sourced from trustworthy suppliers to be actually quite good, and an awesome option for beginners. Their price and availability are a plus, but they are also efficient and easy to use. They have decent shaping power, and their wear rate is not too extreme. They are slightly tighter and finer than other coarse stones such as Omura or Akamatsu. If you finished off of it, you would have an aggressive toothy edge, or a very hazy Kasumi on bevels. Also good as an earlier stone in a polishing progression. 

Disclaimer: Given the natural aspect of these stones, all subjective qualities are our estimates and may vary slightly from your exact expectations and assessment. The images shown and characteristics described are an example. If purchased, yours may differ slightly in appearance and qualities. Dimensions, weight, and stamps may be different from listed if it has been tested.