Iyoto Ko Kuro Aka (Small Black and Red) Medium Grit Japanese Natural Whetstone

This exceptional Japanese whetstone was selected by us and imported directly from Japan, thoroughly tested and sealed on stamped face and sides to protect the stone for long term use. 

It measures 230 mm (9.06 inches) long × 80 mm (3.15 inches) wide × 28 mm (1.10 inches) tall, and weighs 1104 g (38.94 oz / 2.43 lbs).

Hardness: Hard/Fine
Newly mined Iyoto stone from Ehime. These Iyoto are considered Naka Toishi, or medium grit. They range in hardness and refinement capabilities with a wide range of potential performance characteristics depending on the type. There are 10+ different types of Iyoto which are currently being produced. This Ko Kuro Aka or Red & Black is a very hard example and displays extremely fine performance characteristics. With beautiful and unique appearance. This example is perfect for razor honing as a pre finishing stone. It can also remove bevel setting scratches, giving it a wide range of refinement capabilities. Typically, these Ko Kuro Aka are more firm amd fine and this example definitely sits on the high end of that spectrum. Not only unique in appearance but an extremely high performance piece, overall. It's excellent length and width make long strokes possible when honing. This particular example displays nuanced feedback which will vary slightly depending on how its used. 

A photo of the stone's polishing ability on soft and hard steels of a Japanese kitchen knife are shown.