Japanese Natural Toishi Whetstone - Ohira Tenjou Suita Renge

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 170 mm (6.69 in) long × 70 mm (2.76 in) wide × 23 mm (0.91 in) thick, and weighs 690g (24.34 oz / 1.52 lbs).

Stone Testing Details:

Hardness: LV 4
A very firm and dense Tenjou Suita with Renge from the Ohira Mine. This medium hard Suita is a refreshing departure from the standard soft blue Suita commonly seen today. This particular Tenjou Suita is loaded with Renge throughout the entire stone. The original serial number from the wholesaler remains preserved on the side. Tenjou Suita is the strata in which Uchigumori are located. This stone is very similar in many ways to a fine, Jito Uchigumori. This stone can be used for Razor/Kamisori pre-finish to finish, Knife polishing/sharpening and tools. The thin line on the surface of the stone does not affect honing, sharpening or polishing at the moment. This stone is on the harder side of medium hard and quite fine. Water only Kamisori honing is a real pleasure with the density of the stone immediately noticeable. The honing action is very smooth and the stone doesn't self slurry but releases a beautiful black inky swarf. When slurried, the stone releases a beautiful pink slurry and it's quite grit rich in composition. The slurry is fast acting and medium grit scratches are removed with ease. This stone would be great for playing with Mikawa/Tomo Nagura Progressions which is rare for a Suita, especially rare for a Tenjou Suita. For knife polishing, the stone's inky, fast cutting characteristics are fully seen on display with the added mass of a kitchen knife. This stone is quite versatile as it can be used to remove medium grit scratches effectively and be used for a final finishing stone as well. The polish is sublime with bright, lightly hazy Kasumi finish with highly polished but darker Jigane and semi mirror, bright Hagane. Beautiful Suita! 

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