Mizukihara Uchigumori Japanese Natural Toishi Whetstone

This exceptional Japanese whetstone was selected and purchased by us directly from Japan, then thoroughly tested and coated with cashew lacquer on sides and back to protect the stone for long term use.
It measures 195 mm (7.68 inches) long × 70 mm (2.76 inches) wide × 16 mm (0.63 inches) tall, and weighs 630 g (1.39 pounds).

Hardness 4.3
This gorgeous Uchigumori came to us via a sword polishing shop in Japan. They were using this stone in the shop to finish the surface of Fingerstones for polishing swords and used for demonstration in shop so that customers can test a nice Uchigumori. Slammed full of Red, pink and purple Renge on a darker blue base and orange Yaki, this stone is both an Art piece and as well as a highly performing and Super clean Uchigumori. Not only does it shine in authentic beauty, but it also performs extremely well. The stone has high abrasive content which is immediately obvious upon honing with water only. With more pressure, the stone will release none of its own mud but definitely a high percentage of black swarf. When slurried, the cutting action increases as expected and the stone can be used even for bevel setting if one decides to go that route. This stone is hard enough to be used with Mikawa/Tomo Nagura slurry. When polishing knives, the hardness of the stone carries over with zero self slurry even under firm pressure when sharpening a heavy blade like Deba. This is uncommon for Uchigumori and reinforces the idea of honing razors on it. The Kasumi finish is on the bright side with the iron cladding frosty and bright and the core steel brightly polished with a beautiful white hue. Very rare to find this combination of hardness, fineness and abrasive power in an Uchigumori these days.

A photo of the stone's polishing ability on a high quality Japanese kitchen knife is shown.