Japanese Natural Toishi Finishing Whetstone - Nakayama Tomae Kiita Iromono Namazu

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 110 mm (4.33 in) long × 73 mm (2.87 in) wide × 25 mm (0.98 in) thick, and weighs 524g.

Stone Testing Details:

Hardness: LV 4.9
Very dense, hard and fine Nakayama Kiita/tamagoiro with Namazu. This stone is very hard and dense. The dark yellow/orange base is deep with underlying dark banding. There are splotches of dark red Iromono and yellow Namazu. The vertical Namazu in the upper right corner has a line within. It can barely be felt and doesn't scratch of affect performance currently. However, there are a few lines/spots near the bottom that I had to remove. They will need future upkeep as the stones wears. 
On water only honing, It has a hard, solid feel with delicate response and fine whispy feel/sound. Cutting speed is above average. 
With a light diamond slurry, the stone speeds up and the slurry is darkened immediately. The edge is very aggressive at this stage but ready for further refinement.
It's great with Mikawa Nagura as it releases almost none of itself into the mix. Very smooth honing feel and super keen edge. 
For knives, the stone is hard and a bit less pressure than usual is necessary. The hone has elasticity and welcomes medium pressure and cuts fast. Kasumi finish is super bright semi mirror like Kasumi with bright haze. Edges are super keen and refined with nice bite for its high finish. 

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