A Loaf of Stone

[atang]

Working out some pitting on a suji that is essentially concave on the backside. Overgrind or not; doesn’t really change what’s in my hands. Finally decided to dedicate an edge of a coarse stone as a loaf shape to reach into it. Results are fair and exceed my expectations. Nowhere near as fast as a belt sander wheel but this needs a different approach and fingerstones will not do. Don Nguyen’s yanagiba vid series inspired me to use a sword sharpening approach with this one. For a true single bevel, I would not do this. But since this is suji, this will work. Here’s some WIP shots.

I’m working heel to tip. Removing the horizontal scratches. You can see them a little better here.

Here you can see where the grind starts at the spine and the area I’ve started the vertical scratch pattern

Still have a ways to go. All in all, so far so good.

[Radar53]

Hi there Adrian. Really admire the things that you take on. I know it's a tad selfish, but I just wish we could get more of your input. Keep up the good work.

[atang]

Thanks Grant. Appreciate the kind words. Wish I could take credit for it but really this is nothing new just as there’s nothing new under the sun. Simply taking a process that’s been used for hundreds of years and using it in a modern day task. Conversely, I can’t share all my secrets . Check out some sword polishing videos on YT. Cool stuff that is the foundation for all things sharpening. We’ve just revised it for use on our kitchen tools . Remember Ken’s instructions and Han Han stone? I’ve always wanted to explore that route in a sharpening routine and this is an opportunity to apply old knowledge to a current project. Thanks again!

[aporigine]

Do tell me, of what stone is the loaf?

[atang]

The stone pictured is the naniwa omura. Silicon carbide and essentially a splash and go. I like it for carbons. Stainless and wear resistant steel, not so much. Does ok on softer stainless.

[aporigine]

I have seen it! Back when Japan Woodworker was cool. For a brief glorious moment they sold Denka no hoto.