One of our most trusted sources handpicks these stones from the famed Imanishi in Kyoto for us, spending hours testing dozens upon dozens and selecting only the best of the best across a variety of price points. These tennen toishi represent some of the highest quality natural stones you will find on the market.
When combined with the correct steel, using these gems help you understand the beautiful harmony between stones and steel that skilled polishers sometimes have difficulty describing in words. Working on natural stones with well-made knives truly ties the entire subject together. We are proud to provide such wonderful pieces to you!
Because each stone is tested extensively by Komon before being sent to us, we honor their notes and grading system, which we have listed below.
Stone: Ohira
SKU: 260701-OHIRA1
Size: W76mm/77mm. L204mm. H40mm
Area: Kyoto
Mine: Ohira
Grit: 8k - 10k
Hardness: Very Hard
Finesse: Very Fine
Cutting Speed: Fast
East of Use: Difficult
Recommended Use: Best suited for edge sharpening, Japanese woodworking tools, Kamisori, strait razors and single bevel and iron clad knives.
Interpretation of the Stone: The Ohira is a very hard stone with very good cutting and polishing power in the 8k-10k range producing a very fine polished edge suitable for fine woodworking tools, straight razors, Kamisori and single bevel knives.
Tested on Kanna or Japanese woodworking planes of blue 1, blue super, white 1 and Togo Reigo, this stone works very well across all steels, and with its hardness and fine finish this is an excellent stone to maintain Ura on both Japanese woodworking tools and single bevel knives.
For edge sharpening this stone has a very smooth fine feeling across the entire stone that gives an ultra fine edge, possibly too fine for most work but for sashimi and other fine work the edge from this stone is perfect.
Having also tested this stone on single bevel knives, I would recommend this stone to only very experienced users of natural stones if wanting to sharpen the entire Kiriha or wide bevel. Due to the excellent cutting speed and fineness of the stone it was possible.
Best used with very little water that will quickly producde a black slurry. Starting the stone with a surface from a 600 atoma plate washing off all mud. I also tested this stone with Nagura made from Nakayama both hard and soft and found this an excellent aid in working with this stone.
Not for everyone but I feel having this type of stone in ones sharpening line up is important.
Authenticated On/By: 08/01/2026
