Brand: Tanaka Toishi 田中砥石工業所.
Producing Area: Kyoto/ Japan
Mine: Kouzaki
Appearance: "Aoto" means "blue stone", thus the blue foundation. Finer examples can be a true solid blue, while some can have subtle hints of purple or green, while softer examples will have more red/brown tones.
Size: 201mm x 57mm x58mm
Weight: 1528g
Recommended Usage: Mid polishing sequence, frosty Kasumi, mid sharpening for push-cut tools, keener edge with a little bite
Notes: This is finer and harder vs. its softer, coarser and generally slightly reder Aoto brother. While finer variants will typically be marginally slower cutting, they will have shallower scratches, last longer, provide brighter Kasumi, as well as be better for push cut tools. So this option will be more ideal for mid work.
Disclaimer: Given the natural aspect of these stones, all subjective qualities are our estimates and may vary slightly from your exact expectations and assessment. The images shown and characteristics described may be from a previous example. If purchased, yours may differ slightly in appearance and qualities. Dimensions, weight, and stamps may be different from listed if it has been tested.
