Ohira Tomae Iromono Japanese Natural Whetstone

Selected by us and imported directly from Japan, this Japanese whetstone has been sealed on the sides and back with clear lacquer for protection and extensively tested to assess its performance. Complete details of our testing results are provided below.

Vintage Ohira Awasedo with vivid Iromono base color and Renge. Old mined, high quality stone with Shohonyama stamp. Although this piece is stamped generically with the Shohonyama stamp as opposed to the modern "Ohira Awasedo" stamp but they are verified by our highly trusted wholesaler who sources them directly from the mining source. This unique stone was likely mined close to, or in combination with a Suita layer. This vividly colored stone boasts a beautiful Kiita yellow and Iromono/Ikimurasaki base with deep reddish/purple base color and beautiful red Renge patterns. Not only does it appear similar to a highly coveted Suita, but it also performs quite similarly as well. A solid medium hardness stone on the semi firm side with exceptionally smooth sharpening and honing feel. This stone performs top notch in all tangible categories including polishing, honing and sharpening, which is quite rare. A "Jack of all trades" stone which is extremely versatile. Highly grit rich, fast cutting stone with inky black swarf created instantly and just enough self slurry to excell in creating an even and consistent polish. Creates a beautiful, detailed, Kasumi finish with amazing depth. Great for Honyaki blades and hand forged San Mai blades. Creates a wide range of refinement capabilities depending on how it's used. knife Edges are the perfect balance of tooth vs refined. Can be used for razor honing and just firm enough to achieve light saber edges with proper work and technique. Great particle uniformity for a semi firm Ohira. Collector grade performer and beautiful as well!