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: Kyoto
Mine: Hideriyama
Strata: Suita
Appearance: Asagi green with streaks of Namazu
Size: 2,567g
Weight: 238mm x 75mm x 73mm
~Grit Range: 3000-5000
1-5 Scale: 1 = Less, 5 = More
Hardness Level: 2.5
Scratch Depth: 2.5
Speed: 4
Wear Rate: 3
Self Slurry: 4
Thirst: 3.5
Consistency: 5
Feedback: 3
Ease of Use: 4
Notes: An extremely rare vintage Hideriyama Suita, especially in this large format. A true pleasure to use — it offers silky feedback with a slurry that develops quickly and yields an exceptionally consistent scratch pattern. The resulting kasumi finish is warm and rich and can be achieved with ease and speed. Depending on your approach, you can stop early for a hazy-to-frosty kasumi, or continue on in your polishing sequence for a brighter finish.
Thanks to its generous surface area and substantial thickness, this stone will provide years of use. However, as it’s not particularly hard (though not overly soft either), it’s important to work the surface evenly to avoid localized dishing. It’s likely too soft for push-cut tools, but perfect for wide bevel polishing, even convex grinds.
This is an outstanding stone for collectors due to its rarity, quality, and vintage provenance. While best suited for intermediate to advanced users, its forgiving nature also makes it accessible to mindful beginners.
Recommended Usage: Hazy to frost kasumi, pre or pre pre polisher, convex grinds, refined but textured edges.
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.
