Summary based on Henk Bos’s booklet *Grinding and Honing Part 4: Belgian Whetstones*. For centuries, the Belgian Ardennes region has been renowned for its unique natural whetstones, known as Coticule. These stones are considered among the best in the world for sharpening razors, knives, chisels, and other tools. Henk Bos’s booklet „Grinding and Honing Part 4. Belgian Whetstones,“ published in 2013, provides detailed information based on more […]
The term 'aging' in the context of metalworking is usually associated with the natural or controlled microstructural changes that occur after the quenching/ tempering process. In the case of knives and razors, this phenomenon can have a significant effect on the behaviour of the blade, its cutting properties and its service life. In this article, we will discuss what steel ageing is, how it occurs and why it is of particular interest to vintage [...]
Introduction Natural Japanese whetstones are one of the oldest and most refined sharpening traditions in the world. They are valued not only for their exceptional abrasive properties, but also for their historical heritage, stone structure, place of origin and even the reputation of the mine. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about Japanese natural stones: their types, mines, features of use, selection and care. […]
Toma Nagura (砥間名倉) is a traditional Japanese natural auxiliary stone used to form a suspension on the surface of the main sharpening stone. The term 'nagura' itself means 'rubbing stone' and 'Toma' is one of the old, classic types. Toma Nagura was mined in various places in Japan, but today the known high quality old Toma Nagura mines have closed and the remaining examples are highly prized. The old [...]
In the world of Japanese natural sharpening stones, Nagura stones occupy a special place. They are not the main sharpening stones, but are designed to create an abrasive suspension on the surface of the main stone, thus extending and enriching the sharpening possibilities. Among them, the best known and most appreciated system is probably the Asano Mikawa Nagura, which is distinguished not only by its quality, but also by the thoughtful structure of its progression. What [...]
What are carbides in knife steel? Carbides are hard microparticles that are formed when carbon bonds with other elements in the alloy, such as chromium, vanadium, tungsten or molybdenum, during the hardening process. These particles are much harder than the steel matrix itself and have a strong influence on the cutting properties: the more carbides there are and the harder and more evenly distributed they are, the longer the blade [...]
Shaving with a folding single-blade razor is not only a personal hygiene procedure, but also a ritual that requires knowledge, care and proper maintenance. For beginners, it is important to understand the basics in order to have a safe, enjoyable and quality shaving experience. Choosing a razor: carbon steel or stainless steel Carbon steel is easier to sharpen, gives a sharper and gentler shave, but requires more maintenance due to rusting [...]
Natural Japanese sharpening stones, called tennen toishi, are highly prized by chefs, woodworkers and knife enthusiasts for their unique sharpening properties. Quarried from historic Japanese quarries, these stones offer a unique tactile, organic sharpening experience that synthetic stones often cannot replicate. Their ability to create extremely sharp and long-lasting blades with a refined, polished finish makes [...]
Straight razors are classic shaving tools, appreciated for their shaving quality and elegance. One of the most important parameters determining the character of a shaver is its grind, which is the shape of the steel part between the spine and the edge of the blade. The ground determines the stiffness, flexibility, shaving feel and maintenance characteristics of the blade. In this article, we will discuss the main types of floors and [...]
Japanese natural sharpening stones (toishi, 砥石) are valued not only for their mines of origin, but also for the specific geological strata (strata layers) from which they are extracted. Each layer, or sō (層), has unique physical and abrasive properties that determine the stone's suitability for different sharpening stages, from coarse grinding to mirror polishing. These layers, often identified [...]
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