One of our most trusted sources handpicks these stones from the famed Imanishi in Kyoto for us. These tennen toishi represent some of the best value you will find on the market for natural stones. They are generally prime examples of how stones with "ordinary" aesthetics can belie the efficacy and ease of use of extraordinary gems that are often otherwise overlooked (and they save money too).
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: Imanishi 今西製砥
Producing Area: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture - Japan
Mine: Hideriyama
Appearance: Classic, light-green Asagi with faint reds
Size: 195mm x 71mm x 26.5mm
Weight: 790g
Grit Range: 6000-8000
1-5 Scale: 1 = Less, 5 = More
Hardness Level: 2.5
Scratch Depth: 1
Speed: 4.5
Wear Rate: 2
Self Slurry: 2
Thirst: 2
Consistency: 5
Ease of Use: 4.5
Notes: Extremely fast - black slurry almost instantly. Extraordinarily easy to use and gives stellar results with little effort - one of those stones you dream of. Feedback is silky with the slightest bit of tackiness that neither scratches nor impedes rhythm - hyper consistent. This is an absolute gem - the speed and ease of use along with the incredible price for such a stone is remarkable.
Recommended Usage: Final or pre-polisher for bright Kasumi on wide bevels, including kanna and nomi and razors but suggest following up on harder stones for push-cut tools.
Please Note: 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.