Hakka Tomae Asagi - Very Rare & Huge Japanese Whetstone

This exceptional Japanese whetstone was purchased by us from the estate of a collector of fine Japanese hones. It measures 298 mm (11.73 inches) long × 82 mm (3.23 inches) wide × 39 mm (1.54 inches) tall with a weight of 2250 grams (4.96 lbs).

Hardness: 3.5-4
Hakka is a western mine in the Tanba region, near Ohira, Mizukihara, and Umajiyama. Hakka is known for producing excellent stones which have been nearly extinct for many years. It is also known for user friendly, softer and highly abrasive stones which are loved by knife polishers. Very similar to Hideriyama in many ways, including easily achieved, consistent, polishing results. Many Hakka are very soft, between LV 2-3. This stone is an extremely rare outlier with a firm base and fine polishing characteristics. Although the base is firm, it's extremely easy to use. An absolute beast of a stone with more surface area than you could ever ask for. The stone is completely clean with no flaws. Its consistent, green/yellow Asagi base may not be the most glamourous, it absolutely speaks directly to the stone's purity and consistency. This is the definition of a workhorse stone in every regard. Most Hakka are limited in their range of potential refinement due their lack of hardness. Very dense in abrasive particles which is obvious immediately with a lovely balance of slurry to swarf. The gliding sensation allows for consistent pressure management and the resulting finish is a striking Kasumi finish with a unique, hazy but reflective polish. Although the finish is notably more refined than most Hakka, the Kasumi contrast between Hagane/Jigane is striking. Overall, an extremely versatile, high performance, and ultra rare piece in giant format! Stones of this size and perfect rectangular shape are nearly extinct, especially from a mine that has been closed for many years. A Collector Grade, rare stone.