Tsukinowa Namito Azuki Namazu 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 210 mm (8.27 inches) long × 75 mm (2.95 inches) wide × 28 mm (1.10 inches) tall, and weighs 1206 g (42.52 oz / 2.66 lbs).

Hardness: 4.9
A museum level specimen in all regards! This stone was mined decades ago by one of our wholesalers who is a generational member of the Kyoto Natural Whetstone Association. Tsukinowa is a mine located southeast of the summit of Mt. Atago, which is the division point between Nishimono and Higashimono (East/West). Tsukinowa is a Honishinori mine, just like Nakayama, Okudo, Shobudani, Ozuku, etc. Tsukinowa gets it's namesake from the Tsukinowa temple, which is located close by. Although not well known to the western world, domestically in Japan, Tsukinowa stones have been used for the final polish of swords, used interchangeably with Narutaki for Jizuya. Narutaki and Tsukinowa stones are known for their high abrasive density and fine polishing characteristics. They come in many levels of hardness and the super hard stones are used by barbers for razors. This gorgeous Aisa/Namito layer Asagi is a super hard stone and perfect for razor finishing. The stone's Hunter Green base referred to as "Azuki" (Beans) is engulfed with multifaceted, dense Namazu. For its hardness, the stone is very effective in removing scratches while finishing at an extremely high level. This stone's unique camouflage look and Namazu gives it a "soft stone" appearance but this piece is very hard and fine. This Tsukinowa is super hard, much like the Kiita. This Asagi is a notch less hard but still super hard, by all means. Perfect for razor finishing with Mikawa Nagura as the hard base presents clear Nagura Feedback. A unique and different Razor finisher which we hope will be loved by America as they are cherished in JP. Collector Grade stone.

A photo of the stone's polishing ability on soft and hard steels of a Japanese kanna (plane) blade are shown.