【direct from Japan】 Natural whetstone, Yamashiro premium stone, marked small whetstone, Izumo stone from Kurakawa Village, Ozu Domain, portable for outdoor use, Okudono, Nakayama, Ototsu, Ayame Valley, etc. Genuine honzan finishing whetstone from Umegahat

The finished product weighs 332g, and the dimensions refer to the external size of the box, including the weight of the box and the prepared raw stone. This product features hand-written inscriptions by the miners themselves to combat counterfeit products and misrepresentation of origins, particularly for high to upper-grade honing stones from the Iyo region and the Shōbontan Mountain area. The drop-in stones will be sealed with the inscriptions included in the margins. The raw stones do not have inscriptions, so we ask users to physically test them and determine their properties. This is aimed at advanced users who appreciate competitive and training elements. The Iyo-to from Tōkawamura, which has made a comeback after half a century! [Link] The external dimensions of a Higo knife case (approximate): 12 x 15 x 2.8~5.4 cm; thickness may vary (it may actually overflow). The total weight including the box is approximately 633g, and it has no gachapon elements, as many have requested. The stones will arrive as shown in the pictures. For the drop-in stones, please ensure they are flattened by polishing. If the stones do not sit properly, use a damp cloth or adhere them with silicone to a non-deformable base. Mining is conducted with heavy machinery, and cutting is done with diamond saws. Regarding the “Iyo Meito” branded whetstones, unauthorized imitation products with inscribed branding are not related to our company. Since around 2007, only our company has produced products under the “Iyo Meito” brand. For clarity, all inscriptions aside from small pieces are handwritten. We cannot respond to inquiries about “Iyo Meito” products that were not sorted or manufactured by us. The siliceous slate from Umegahata, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, produced around #6,000 to #24,000 grit, requires a degree of hardness to enhance refinement chances. Due to the continuous round-bottom streaks, about a 70% threshold results in a permanent edge, and it tends to be difficult to achieve a flavorless mirror finish compared to artificial whetstones, highlighting contrasts due to variations in honing line, material quality, and carbon content. Generally, the harder the stone is, the more finely grained it tends to be. Since harder stones may lose their self-sharpening properties, sharpening should be adjusted according to purpose and skill level using consistent honing techniques.