Looking for help identifying Japanese water stones

[Bill Bukovec]

I need to replace one of my water stones due to cracks, but I have no idea what grit it is.

I also have some slipstones I would like to have identified.

I think all of the stones are King brand.

I use the white one (upper right) to remove grinding marks.

It removes the marks pretty fast, but smooth enough for the next grit.

I use the tan one next to get a mirror finish.

It cut pretty fast too, but left a polished finish.

As you can see, this is the cracked one that needs to be replaced.

Can these be identified by the color?

I also have three slip stones that I can't identify.

I was trying to remember what grit they were, then I realized I couldn't remember why I bought them in the first place!

These were bought as a set.

Thanks

[Loren Woirhaye]

Russet: 1000-1200
Tan: 4000-8000

The white stones are often 4000-6000 but you may have a real coarse one. It's hard to say without seeing and feeling it.

The 8000 stones are over-rated. 6000 is great if you (A) have good technique and (B) use a nagura stone to build a slurry and keep the stone clean.

A friable grinding wheel, a 1200 grit stone and a 4000 or 6000 grit stone is all you need.

[Mike Cutler]

I agree with Loren

I have some King's and the Russets are their 800/1200 grit.
The Tans are their 4000/8000 grit. The 8000 is a little more yellowish in my stone collection.
That green one may be their 400 grit. In Norton's it's a 220 grit.
The only white I have is a Norton, but I don't think it's a true stone.