Hatanaka Shobudani Suita Rare Japanese Natural Finishing 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 200 mm (7.87 inches) long × 75 mm (2.95 inches) wide × 35 mm (1.38 inches) tall, and weighs 1275 g (44.97 oz / 2.81 lbs).

Hardness: 4.5
Vintage Hatanaka Shobudani Suita with original sticker and box. This fully stamped Shobudani Suita is an extremely rare and beautiful stone. Hatanaka Whetstones are considered the pinnacle of Whetstones and therefore they're extremely rare and valuable. Hatanaka is best known for their Nakayama Maruka but they sold many types of stones as they traded their highly regarded Nakayama mined stones with other miners in the Kyoto area and beyond. This Shobudani Suita is extremely unique and composed of multiple Suita layers. This Multi strata Suita starts off with a pure, hon Suita base featuring tamagoiro coloration. The stone is firm yet very forgiving and fast cutting. The stone eventually transitions into a light blue Suita layer with floating Namazu catfish patterns. The stone's performance characteristics and hardness may change slightly with the layer transition. This type of stone is referred to as a "Living Stone" and will change with time as the user and stone age.