Aiiwatani Suita Aisa Karasu Japanese Whetstone

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

It measures 175 mm (6.89 inches) long × 155 mm (6.10 inches) wide × 27 mm (1.06 inches) tall, and weighs 1380 g (48.68 oz / 3.04 lbs).

Hardness: 4.5
A large, firm, Karasu koppa from Aiiwatani containing Suita and Aisa. This stone is best suited for finishing of razors and finishing cutlery. This stone has geometric Namazu which run in a near perfect grid-like pattern. We tested these using firm pressure with blades of varying weight and material composition and had no negative effects such as scratching, release of toxic particles, or distracting tactile feel. However, judging by the appearance of 2 which intersect and contain orange color, it is of our opinion that the probability of them becoming an issue is around 50% therefore we priced it at a discounted rate. If they ever become bothersome, they can be easily removed and maintained with no negative affects. This stone is quite hard and fine making it great for finishing razors. It's strong abrasive power and slight elasticity make it great for standalone finishing. Not the best for Mikawa Nagura progressions as the nagura feedback is quiet and the stone releases it's slurry into the mix creating a wide range of grit in the mix. The stone is great for knife polishing with a great balance of slurry to swarf ratio. This makes achieving a smooth and even finish achieved with little effort. The stone is firm enough to allow for a wide range of finishes depending on how it's used. A versatile, beautiful and highly functional piece with an affordable price for its quality and size!

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