Nakayama Gosa

Nakayama Gosa is a natural Japanese honing stone quarried from the famous Nakayama mine near Kyoto, Japan. These stones belong to the "awasedo" category, i.e. finishing stones, and are highly valued by knife, razor and tool sharpening enthusiasts for their exceptional properties. However, Gosa is a specific type of Nakayama stone which differs from others, such as Tomae, in its mineral composition and sharpening characteristics.

Basic information about Nakayama Gosa:

1. Origin and composition:
   • Nakayama Gosa stones are extracted from the Nakayama mine, which is now closed, making these stones rare and precious.
   • "Gosa stones often have a reddish, greyish or yellowish tinge, sometimes with unique patterns called "Iromono". Their colour and texture depend on the composition of minerals such as quartz and clay.
   • The gossas are very similar to Nakayama Tomae or also very fine-grained, ideal for final polishing.
2. Usage:
   • Nakayama Gosa stones are used as finishing stones, giving a very sharp and mirror-like edge to the blade. They are often chosen for sharpening Japanese knives (e.g. Santoku, Gyuto), straight razors or woodworking tools.
   • They are particularly suitable for those who want a balanced sharpening sensation - not too hard, but effective enough for shaping the edge.
3. Sharpening sensation:
   • Nakayama Gosa stones are known for their "creamy" or "soft" sharpening sensation, which is more pleasant than many hard stones.
   • They allow precise control of the sharpening process and their surface adapts quickly to the blade, ensuring smooth contact.
4. Rupum:
   • Although natural stones do not have the same precise "grit" rating as synthetic stones, Nakayama Gosa is generally considered to be in the range of 8000-10,000+ grit, depending on the fineness of the stone.
   • They are often used after medium grit stones (e.g. 4000-6000 grit) to complete the sharpening process and achieve a very sharp edge.

Why is Nakayama Gosa special?

Nakayama Gosa stones are valued for their balance between softness and fineness, allowing for a professional sharpening result with a pleasant process. Their rarity and unique mineral properties make them coveted by lovers of the Japanese sharpening tradition.