Nakayama Koppa - Japanese Natural Razor Hone Sharpening/Finishing Stones - Choose Your Stone

Stone No. 1045 measures at its max dimensions 95 mm wide × 60 mm long × 15 mm thick (3.74 inches wide × 2.36 inches long × 0.59 inches thick) & weighs 228g (8.04 oz).
Nice little handheld koppa, recently mined from the Nakayama Mine. This stone has a couple of lines on the surface but they don't seem to have an effect on honing, do not scratch the steel, and cannot be felt now. Honing Kamisori is a pleasure on this stone, and its hard base is immediately obvious. The stone creates some black swarf with water only and no discernible self-slurry. When slurried, the stone’s grit particles are released in abundance, and the stone speeds up in cutting speed noticeably. While impressive in cutting speed, this stone is best for final finishing of edges, Mikawa/tomo Nagura progressions, tools, and knife sharpening/polishing. The finished edge of the Kamisori after using a Tomo Nagura was excellent, with a comfortable shave and keen edge.

Stone No. 1046 measures at its max dimensions 97 mm wide × 100 mm long × 10 mm thick (3.82 inches wide × 3.94 inches long × 0.39 inches thick) & weighs 214g (7.55 oz).
This wide koppa was recently mined from Nakayama. It has two lines on the corners that do not scratch or affect honing. This stone is quite hard and has a smooth feel when honing on water only. There is no self-slurry, and a light swarf is released under moderate pressure. When slurried, the stone’s cutting speed increases and can be seen in the darkening of the slurry. This stone is best for the final finishing of razors and Mikawa/Tomo Nagura progressions.

Stone No. 1047 measures at its max dimensions 53 mm wide × 110 mm long × 20 mm thick (2.09 inches wide × 4.33 inches long × 0.79 inches thick) & weighs 253g (8.92 oz).
This beautiful koppa was recently mined from Nakayama. Free of any inclusions, it provides a distraction-free honing experience at a low price. This stone is quite hard, and this is evident immediately upon honing with water only. There is no self-slurry, and light, black swarf is released under moderate pressure. When slurried, the stone speeds up, and cutting power is increased. This stone is wonderfully smooth and has excellent feedback for such a hard stone.

Stone No. 1048 measures at its max dimensions 97 mm wide × 100 mm long × 10 mm thick (3.82 inches wide × 3.94 inches long × 0.39 inches thick) & weighs 214g (7.55 oz).
This dullish yellow koppa was recently mined from Nakayama. It has a couple of faint lines on the surface, but they can't be felt or scratch currently. This stone is quite hard and dense and features some yellow Namazu (catfish) patterns on the surface. Honing with water only is smooth and mild for the hard nature of the stone. There is no visible self-slurry and only a small amount of swarf under moderate pressure. When slurried, the feel and cutting speed change quite dramatically, with velvety smooth feedback and dense, black swarf released. This stone is best for razor finishing using Mikawa/Tomo Nagura progressions or used alone.

Stone No. 1049 measures at its max dimensions 53 mm wide × 105 mm long × 13 mm thick (2.09 inches wide × 4.13 inches long × 0.51 inches thick) & weighs 189g (6.67 oz). This small hand held Kiita has a couple lines on the face but they don't affect honing currently. When testing with a Kamisori, the stone feels quite hard and dense. water only honing resulted in a smooth feel with no self slurry and a trace of swarf. slurry mediums increase the stones cutting abilities and the feedback comes to life with smooth, easy to read feel. This stone works best when slurried and it's primary application is razor finishing.

Stone No. 1050 measures at its max dimensions 55 mm wide × 99 mm long × 17 mm thick (2.17 inches wide × 3.90 inches long × 0.67 inches thick) & weighs 227g (8.01 oz). This beautiful Kiita with red Iromono was mined recently from Nakayama. This Suita koppa was mined recently from the Nakayama Mine. Unfortunately, there a number of lines on the surface and the line running horizontally near the top of the stone can be felt slightly when honing. This line can be removed easily to eliminate the issue. water only honing is exceedingly smooth with great elasticity and some black swarf released. When slurried, the stone kicks into high gear and the cutting speed is increased. This stone is great for razor finishing, knives and tools making it a versatile stone. For the bargain price, a very high performer with minimal work required to remove the line and have a high quality stone. 

Stone No. 1051 measures at its max dimensions 67 mm wide × 125 mm long × 18 mm thick (2.64 inches wide × 4.92 inches long × 0.71 inches thick) & weighs 373g (13.16 oz). This Suita koppa was mined recently from the Nakayama Mine. Unfortunately, there a number of lines on the surface and the line running horizontally near the top of the stone can be felt slightly when honing. This line can be removed easily to eliminate the issue. water only honing is exceedingly smooth with great elasticity and some black swarf released. When slurried, the stone kicks into high gear and the cutting speed is increased. This stone is great for razor finishing, knives and tools making it a versatile stone. For the bargain price, a very high performer with minimal work required to remove the line and have a high quality stone.

Stone No. 1052 measures at its max dimensions 65 mm wide × 100 mm long × 25 mm thick (2.56 inches wide × 3.94 inches long × 0.98 inches thick) & weighs 355g (12.52 oz). This thick koppa was recently mined from the Nakayama Mine. It has a beautiful bright Kiita yellow base. There are 2 lines on the surface but they done affect sharpening and can't be felt. This is the softest Nakayama of this batch. It's still quite a firm stone but unlike the others, it will self slurry a bit when honing a Kamisori with water only. Not only does it lightly self slurry, but also cuts very fast and releases dense swarf into the slurry immediately. when slurried, the stone speeds up as expected. The feedback is stellar being a softer stone but the base is firm enough to alleviate pressure and break down the slurry. This stone is quite versatile and can be used for razor finishing, knives and tools.

Stone No. 1053 measures at its max dimensions 80 mm wide × 91 mm long × 10 mm thick (3.15 inches wide × 3.58 inches long × 0.39 inches thick) & weighs 186g (6.56 oz). This wide koppa was recently mined from Nakayama. It has one faint black line on the surface but can't be felt at all. This stone is quite hard and fine and water only honing is smooth. The stone doesn't release any slurry or much swarf. When slurried, the stone speeds up a bit but this stone seems a bit more fine than most of the others. This limits it's niche but excels in razor final finishing.

Stone No. 1054 measures at its max dimensions 50 mm wide × 125 mm long × 26 mm thick (1.97 inches wide × 4.92 inches long × 1.02 inches thick) & weighs 402g (14.18 oz). This beautiful koppa is a newly mined Nakayama Tomae Kiita Nashiji. The red Nashiji like patterns on the surface of the stone resemble that of a leopard. There are 2 lines on the stone surface but only the black line running horizontal can be felt. It doesn't cause scratching currently but if it starts to become an issue, it easily be removed. If it starts to scratch or feel hard after subsequent use/lapping, they can simply be dug/scratched out with a nail. This stone has a wonderfully smooth feel for its high hardness and density. It will cut steel moderately with water only and speeds up considerably when slurried. The stone is quite versatile and works great for finishing razors, knives and tools.

Stone No. 1055 measures at its max dimensions 62 mm wide × 122 mm long × 12 mm thick (2.44 inches wide × 4.80 inches long × 0.47 inches thick) & weighs 270g (9.52 oz). This hard Kiita is dull yellow/orange with faint red Nashiji on the surface. This stone was recently mined from Nakayama. The stone is very hard and water only honing is smooth and slow with no signs of self slurry or swarf. Making slurry yields a yellow slurry which is moderately fast and extremely fine. The texture is silky smooth and fast moving. This stone is best served as a final finisher for razors with a slurry component aiding in cutting strength. The surface is free of any lines or inclusions.

Stone No. 1057 measures at its max dimensions 65 mm wide × 95 mm long × 16 mm thick (2.56 inches wide × 3.74 inches long × 0.63 inches thick) & weighs 260g (9.17 oz). This hard Tomae Koppa from the Nakayama Mine was recently mined and processed. The stone is very hard and fine. Honing Kamisori with water only yielded no self slurry or cutting action. There are two lines on the surface which can be felt slightly but do not appear to scratch the steel at this time.

Stone No. 1056 measures at its max dimensions 52 mm wide × 138 mm long × 13 mm thick (2.05 inches wide × 5.43 inches long × 0.51 inches thick) & weighs 250g (8.82 oz). Another hard Tomae from the Nakayama Mine. This stone was recently mined and processed by a wholesaler in Japan. It has a dull yellow Kiita coloring with faint red Iromono blushing and Nashiji. There is a line on the surface which can be slightly felt but doesn't scratch the steel at this time. it can be easily removed by scratching/digging it out. Lapping could also help to eliminate the feel of the line. The stone is very hard and fine and honing Kamisori on water only is smooth. There is no sign of self slurry or swarf and the stone is best suited for final finishing of razors due to its hardness. When slurried, the stone starts cutting faster and the texture of the slurry is extremely fine.