Japanese Natural Toishi Finishing Whetstone - Nakayama Kiita Raw Koppa

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 165mm (6.50 inches) long × 105mm (4.13 inches) wide × 55mm (2.17 inches) tall, and weighs 1806g (3.98 pounds)

Stone Testing Details:

Hardness: LV 5
A beautifully rugged and raw, voluminous chunk of Nakayama Kiita. There aren't many pieces of Nakayama with this volume and height anymore, making this piece very rare and valuable. The term Kiita refers to the yellow base color of the stone. There is also an area that looks like Karasu near the center of the stone adding more visual character. Typically, Kiita (Yellow) stones from Nakayama are very firm yet forgiving with high silica content making for a hard, fast cutting razor stone. They are the most sought after Nakayama stones and perhaps, the most demanded type of stone in Japan.
Honing on water only yielded a firm, dense and smooth feel with fast cutting speed. The stone has a hard but cushioned feel while honing water only. With diamond plate slurry, the stone speeds up and black swarf is instantly released with moderate pressure indicating a fast cutting and firm razor finisher. The resulting edge was very keen and smooth with comfortable shaving quality.
Mikawa Nagura progressions are magical on this stone with all nagura feedback shining through clearly. The bumps and abrasive particles from the Nagura are all felt and heard. After Tomo Nagura, the edge was a screamer with windshield wiper like shaving abilities.
For knives, this stone is very smooth even being very hard. The stone cuts fast and swarf is immediate with no visible self slurry. The finish is a beautiful, bright and shiny Kasumi finish with mirror like polish but still great contrast. All in all, a beautiful, rare piece of raw Nakayama that you don't see in this thickness anymore. Very collectable stone.

A photo of the resulting polish left on a high quality Japanese knife is shown.