Japanese Natural Whetstones
Nakayama is the most famous of Japan's natural finishing stone mines, due in part to the ancient history surrounding the mine, the marketing skills of the previous owners, and the extremely fine quality of the stones. Kato-san, who owned the mine from the 1950s to the late 1960s, stamped many of his stones with his own personal ink stamp, while most other miners simply wholesaled […]
The difference between natural and artificial whetstone work No matter which way you sharpen with an artificial stone, the scratches on hard and softer steel will be basically the same. Artificial whetstones can be sharpened relatively quickly, but they are too abrasive and create grooves that are difficult to remove, making it difficult to get a long-lasting cutting edge. […]
How do you sharpen a knife so that it cuts forever? Choose the steel and its treatment in such a way that it will maintain its sharpness for a long time. Sharpen with the right tools and the right way. Use as intended and on a soft board. It is best if it is made of perpendicular wood.
Fukutaro Tanifuji was born in 1894. April 1 - 1990, 95. Registered as holder of technical certificate of intangible cultural assets of Sumida Ward in 1986. (exhibited at the Sumida Regional Culture Museum "Sumida to the World" May 30 - July 20, 2015) Mr. Fukutaro Tanifuji was a pioneer who developed the first Western razor in Japan and from a young age helped […]
In the realm of traditional Japanese razor making, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Iwasaki. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled quality, Iwasaki razors are celebrated as both functional grooming tools and works of art. Steeped in centuries of tradition, the Iwasaki brand represents the pinnacle of Japanese razor making, where […]
In a world where automation often reigns supreme, there's something uniquely captivating about craftsmanship that's meticulously honed by hand. This sentiment is particularly true in the realm of traditional Japanese razor making, where artisans like Yukio Kamijo have elevated the craft to an art form. Yukio Kamijo, a master razor craftsman based in Japan, embodies […]
Nakatoishi 中砥石 - medium-grained (1000-5000 grit) natural Japanese sharpening stones: Aoto, Natsuya, Binsui, Aizu.
Tamahagane steel, a legendary and revered material in the realm of traditional Japanese sword-making, holds a special place in the hearts of both craftsmen and enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its exceptional quality and the meticulous process of its creation, Tamahagane steel embodies the perfect blend of artistry, tradition, and functionality. In this article, we will [...]
Natural Japanese sharpening stones are unique natural wonders that have been used in Japan for thousands of years to sharpen knives and grinding stones. Also known as 'toishi' or 'jnats', these stones are made from natural rocks that have special properties that make them perfect for sharpening. One of the main reasons why Japanese sharpening stones are so valuable is that [...]
Although the production volumes of natural Japanese honing stones are very low, there are many people who use them in search of a finish that can only be achieved using natural honing stones. In this article, Jun Watanabe, an expert from the traditional knife brand Mitsuhide Sakai, will explain the characteristics of natural sharpening stones by region and how to choose them. INDEX Jnats (Japanese Natural Stones) [...]