Japanese Natural Finishing Awasedo Whetstone - Narutaki Tomae Kiita Nashiji Koppa

This exceptional Japanese Whetstone was purchased by us from the estate of a collector of fine Japanese hones. It measures 120 mm long (4.72 inches) × 60 mm wide (2.36 inches) × 20 mm tall (0.79 inches) and weighs 390 grams (13.76 oz or 0.86 lbs).

Stone Details:

Hardness: 5++
Sourced from Keith V Johnson.
This extremely high quality hand held razor sized koppa punches way above its weight class! With a beautiful bright yellow Kiita base hidden upon the dense Nashiji covering the surface, This stone would command major value if larger without any doubt. Although smaller, it's the perfect size for Kamisori, Kiridashi, small knives and razors. This is very very hard, especially for Kiita and this factor plays a role in its value and desirability. When honing a Henkotsu Kamisori with water only, the hardness is obvious but there is a cushion or elasticity which keeps the razor moving efficiently. Mikawa Nagura progressions were my favorite method of honing on this stone by far. It didn't yield any noticeable self slurry even when hard Nagura were used. The resulting edge was a lightsaber! This stone cuts moderately and is best suited for final finishing of razors or Mikawa Nagura/Tomo nagura progressions.