Thread: Japanese Sharpening Stones...need translation please

A good friend of mine gave me these two stones about five yrs. ago along with a nice Japanese Chef's knife. He has no clue what they say or how they are used and neither do I. I am curious as to whether or not these stones would be favorable to use on a straight razor. I am new to straight razors so I would appreciate as much info regarding these stones as possible. See attached (3) photos (sorry for poor photography). Thank you in advance.

Front: Toishi or sharpening stone.

The sides: "the cutting edge of the knife releases the flavor of the food".

And on the ends: red box=rough sharpening stone, green box=medium sharpening stone.

Thanks a lot. I will keep these for my kitchen and utility knives.