Japanese Natural Finishing Whetstone - Large Heirloom Quality Narutaki Mizu Asagi

This exceptional Japanese Narutaki Mizu Asagi Whetstone is a rare treasure, purchased by us from the estate of a collector of fine Japanese hones. A large bench size hone, it measures 205mm long x 75mm wide and 40mm thick (8.07" long x 2.95" wide x 1.57” thick) with a weight of 1534 grams. The hone is also covered in Goma which looks stunning and also indicates a high quality Asagi and high cutting ability. Hand chisel marks can be seen on the bottom of the hones as well.

Thoroughly evaluated by 3 experts, this whetstone comes with a pedigree of testing and appreciation. Initially assessed and sold by Keith Johnson of Brooklyn, a highly respected authority in the whetstone community, the stone has been extensively tested by its next owner with his detailed notes included right on the stone. Its excellence has been further verified by Matt of Griffith Shaving Goods, confirming its status as an ideal finishing stone for the finest razors or kitchen knives. All sides and back of the hone have been sealed with cashew lacquer to preserve the long-term integrity of the stone. 

Whether used for honing razors to a mirror-like edge or perfecting the blades of precision kitchen knives, it promises unmatched results.

In addition to the notes left on the stone by the previous owner, Matt has observed the following qualities during testing:
- Extremely hard, an excellent base for softer Nagura including Mikawa nagura progression
- pale white  slurry is generated with diamond plate
- remarkable abrasive power for the hardness, slurry darkens quickly when a razor is honed with a little pressure and a moderately thick slurry
- lovely silky smooth honing feedback with slurry
- lovely tactile feedback on water only, not skippy or glassy feeling
- Shave test was wonderful, zen-like