Vintage Ohira Asagi Azuki Goma Japanese Finishing Whetstone

This Japanese whetstone was selected by us and imported directly from Japan, thoroughly tested and coated with cashew lacquer on sides and back to protect the stone for long term use. 

It measures 195 mm (7.68 inches) long × 70 mm (2.76 inches) wide × 15 mm (0.59 inches) tall, and weighs 599 g (21.13 oz / 1.32 lbs).

Hardness: 4.7
Extremely old and high performance Ohira Asagi. Performance characteristics are extremely similar to Asagi from The famous Eastern Yamashiro Mines like Shobudani, Nakayama, Okudo etc. With high hardness, abrasive density, and fine particles, the stone is suitable for final finishing of razors, tools and knives. This stone is completely different than most of the Ohira current Ohira Tomae seen on the market commonly. This stone was owned and used by a retired Japanese Carpenter who made a custom Dai for the stone, which has also been sealed. When honing razors, this stone holds its own with Honishinori stones such as Nakayama, Shobudani etc in all imaginable categories which is extremely unique and impressive. One would be hard pressed to tell the difference in use. The stone can be used with Nagura progressions or standalone to create a fine, shaving edge. For knives and tools, the stone is smooth, yet forgiving even though quite dense and hard. Creates a beautiful bright Kasumi finish with wonderful depth and high refinement overall. An excellent stone, my favorite Ohira Tomae I've ever used, especially for razors! This stone was used heavily, indicating the carpenter's affinity for it. Pure performance type stone! Beautiful, unique Azuki Bean (Green) Asagi with holographic waves of color and Goma. This type of Green, Azuki Bean coloration is highly coveted by artisans in Japan. Mined from Deeper layers such as Shiki Tomae, Namito and Aisa.
A photo of the stone's polishing ability on soft and hard steels of a Japanese kanna (wood plane) blade are shown.