Aoto - Japan

Aoto stones cut differently than synthetic stones. They can be considered to be around a 2000 grit abrasive but are made from a gradable grit meaning that they can vary from steel to steel and also can be made to cut differently with different amounts of water and pressure. Controlling the viscosity of the slurry on the face of the stone can help produce specific results, whether a finer or hazier finish. 

Jinzou Aoto are synthetic stones made using natural grit. They behave much like natural aoto but are more consistent from stone to stone.