Nakayama Karasu Lv 5

Nakayama Karasu Lv 5 is a high quality Japanese natural sharpening stone (toishi), highly valued for its rarity, aesthetics and exceptional sharpening properties. Here is a description based on available information:

• Origin and quality: A stone from the Nakayama mine, famous for producing some of the finest sharpening stones in the world. The name Karasu ('crow') comes from its unique pattern of black or dark spots on a grey or blue (mizu asagi) ground, resembling the feathers of a crow. It is a collector's grade stone and is particularly rare and valued by collectors.
• Hardness and fineness: Hardness level Lv 5 (hard), fineness of 1500Grit, which makes the stone superfine, ideal for final sharpening. The surface is very smooth, without toxic lines or inclusions, ensuring a clean and precise sharpening.
• Usage: The main purpose is the final sharpening of razors (kamisori and western), small tools (e.g. chisels) or knives. Suitable for achieving extremely sharp edges, giving a smooth, near mirror finish. Recommended for use with a nagura stone, especially for western razors, to achieve optimum results faster.
• Finishing: Gives a highly polished, sharp and smooth edge for precision shaving or tooling. The stone is quite abrasive on metal.
• Appearance: Characterised by a beautiful grey or bluish grey (mizu asagi) base with bright black karasu spots running through the layers of stone. The stone is free of defects such as cracks or toxic lines and is aesthetically pleasing.