One of our most trusted sources handpicks these stones from the famed Imanishi in Kyoto for us, spending hours testing dozens and dozens and selecting only the best of the best at a variety of price points. These tennen toishi represent some of the best value you will find on the market for natural stones.
These stones are so impressive that they often make you feel like you are "cheating", so to speak - they provide outstanding results at a speed seemingly found only in stones that cost many times more, all while being fun and easy to use - they make it seem as if you have learned years of polishing in a matter of minutes. Combining these gems with the correct steel, you will come to understand the beautiful harmony skilled polishers sometimes have difficulty describing - working on natural stones with well-made knives truly ties the whole subject together.
We are proud to provide such wonderful pieces to you!
Brand: Komon-picked Imanishi
Producing Area:
Appearance: Near-pure white with the faintest tint of green; a few goma speckled in
Size: 205mm x 60mm x 38mm
Weight: 901g
~Grit Range: 1500-3000
1-5 Scale: 1 = Less, 5 = More
Hardness Level: 3.5
Scratch Depth: 2.5
Speed: 4
Wear Rate: 2
Self Slurry: 2
Thirst: 2
Consistency: 4.5
Feedback: 2.5
Ease of Use: 3.5
Notes: Koma Nagura stones are a staple in traditional sword polishing progressions—and are often used in razor and fine tool sharpening as well. Pure, high-quality examples like this are increasingly rare, and we’re fortunate to have sourced one. Typically used after Chu Nagura and before Uchigumori, Koma plays a crucial role in refining the foundation polish, allowing Uchigumori stones to fully express their potential. This particular stone is fast-cutting, with black slurry forming in seconds, and it effortlessly removes scratches even from stones more than half its grit level–a polisher dream!
It finishes with a warm, frosty kasumi that’s both beautiful and distinct. Working the jigane for just a few minutes can start to reveal banding, offering exceptional visual depth. Initial feedback has a bit of texture and grip, which quickly smooths out as slurry builds. It’s also hard enough to handle push-cut tools and even Ura on single bevel knives. Obviously effective on knife edges, but given its rarity it is advised that it be mostly reserved for polishing or wide bevel applications. For faster cutting and more even feedback, using a nagura, preferably a tomo nagura, could help.
Simply put, this is an incredible find for anyone building a premium polishing progression—or a collector seeking something truly special.
Recommended Usage: Pre polisher, frosty kasumi, gnarly edges, push cut tools
Disclaimer: Given the natural aspect of these stones, all graded characteristics are our own subjective thoughts which may vary from your expectations and assessment. The images shown and characteristics described may be from a previous, random example, or when first measured before being tested numerous times. If purchased, yours may differ slightly in appearance and qualities. All stone sales are final.
