Nakayama Akapin Koppa Japanese Natural Toishi Finishing Whetstone

A tested and matched Tomo Nagura is included with the hone, as shown in the photos.

Approximate Dimensions/Weight:
205 mm (8.07") long × 77 mm (3.03") wide × 37 mm (1.46") tall / 1416 grams

Stone Details:
Hardness: LV4.8
Beautiful Nakayama Akapin from plane Craftsman Tsunesaboro. Akapin is a layer/strata above Tomae layer. Usually, Akapin stones are softer and more coarse than their Tomae counterparts. These Nakayama Akapin are very dense and hard, reminiscent of Tomae from Nakayama. The visual woodgrain patterns on the stone and Iromono - like coloration are very unique and appealing. The stone has a wonderfully hard and dense feel with water only honing. The speed of these Akapin is also very impressive. There is less of a feeling of elasticity in this sample, rather it feels hard and dense with a little underlying texture. There is some give to the surface which is much more evident when sharpening heavier blades like tools and knives. Creating a thin diamond plate slurry exponentially speeds up the cutting power of the stone and black swarf is immediate and inky. The stone does very well with Mikawa Nagura progressions as well. Besides the visually appealing aspect of this stone, the performance characteristics are very very similar to harder Nakayama Kiita. There are very few Nakayama Akapin on the market so this stone is very unique and rare. Polishing knives was a pleasure as well. The ink like black swarf is released immediately and the finish is a very bright and reflective Kasumi finish with great contrast between the hard and soft steel.

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