Japanese Natural Finishing Whetstone - Large Heirloom Quality Narutaki Iromono

This exceptional Japanese Narutaki Iromono Whetstone is a rare treasure, purchased by us from the estate of a collector of fine Japanese hones. A large bench size hone, it measures 210mm long x 75mm wide and 32mm thick (8.27 inches long × 2.95 inches wide × 1.26 inches thick) with a weight of 1440 grams.
The hone is also covered in Goma which looks stunning and also indicates a high quality Asagi and high cutting ability.

Thoroughly evaluated by 3 experts, this whetstone comes with a pedigree of testing and appreciation. Initially assessed and sold by Keith Johnson of Brooklyn, a highly respected authority in the whetstone community, the stone has been extensively tested by its next owner with his detailed notes included right on the stone. Its excellence has been further verified by Matt of Griffith Shaving Goods, confirming its status as an ideal finishing stone for the finest razors or kitchen knives. All sides and back of the hone have been sealed with cashew lacquer to preserve the long-term integrity of the stone. 
Whether used for honing razors to a mirror-like edge or perfecting the blades of precision kitchen knives, it promises unmatched results.

In addition to the notes left on the stone by the previous owner, Matt has observed the following qualities during testing:
- Very hard, an excellent base for softer Nagura including Mikawa nagura progression
- powerful abrasive power, slurry darkens quickly when a razor is honed with a little pressure and a moderately thick slurry
- excellent tactile honing feedback with slurry
- honing on water only is velvety, not skippy or glassy feeling
- leaves a great, slightly hazy mirror finish
- prepares razor for stellar shaves