Japanese Natural Finishing Toishi Whetstone - Umegahata Mizu Asagi Nashiji

 This exceptional Japanese whetstone was purchased by us from the estate of a collector of fine razors & hones. It measures  205 mm (8.07 in) long × 75 mm (2.95 in) wide × 30 mm (1.18 in) tall, and weighs 1220g.

Stone Testing Details:

Hardness: LV 5++
Very hard and fine stone that is perfect for razors. We are very confident that it's an eastern mined stone (Umegahata). Though it is not suitable for knife polishing, its high hardness makes it great for Mikawa Nagura progressions while honing razors.
Two Mikawa Nagura progressions were carried out using the stone. The feedback is pretty clear and almost no slurry from the stone is present. There is a slight forgiving feeling that mutes the feedback in the fingers. However, when using my most familiar mikawa Nagura, the audible feedback is much more telling than the tactile feedback. 
The resulting edges were extremely keen and comfortable to shave with. 
The Mizu Asagi coloration is beautiful to look at and there is some underlying Tamamoku/Karasu looking patterns within. There are also visible layers showing on the sides of the stone indicating some darker colored layers.