Very easy to use, fast cutting, self slurrying with a smooth and buttery feeling Aiiwatani stone which makes a hazy but bright kasumi finish. Makes a great edge, highly recommended for making a fine finished edge with bite. Very fast cutting and super easy to use, this one stands out. Harder to find softer Aiiwatani but they are great knife stones. 

Dimensions: 130mm long 83mm across 28mm thick

Weight: 598 grams

Hardness/Fineness: 3-3.5 / 3.5+

Without cashew lacquered sides

Aiiwatani: A ‘Higashi-Mono’ (Eastern Mine) whetstone that is close in proximity to Takashima and Wakasa, two mines known for their high density stones. Aiiwatani are great shiage-toishi(fine stones) when you are looking for a refined edge. Typically more mellow in cutting action, but this can lead to a cleaner polish.

Asagi: 

This aesthetic term refers to the general color of the stone. Typically, Asagi stones are grey, light blue, greyish-blue/green, and tan. They are usually quite clean stones that are on the harder side. However, softer Asagi stones are great for knife polishing.

Nashiji:

Meaning ‘pear-skin’, this aesthetic quality looks like tiny brown/pale dots on the stone. This quality can look similar to Su-holes on Suita stones as well as be a quality on Suita.