Brand: Tanaka Toishi 田中砥石工業所
Producing Area: Kyoto, Osaka - Japan
Mine: Yaginoshima
Appearance: Classic grey/blue Mizu with lots of teeny tiny Goma
Size: 209mm x 76mm x 40mm (type 40)
Weight: 1567g
Grit Range: 4000-6000
1-5 Scale: 1 = Less, 5 = More
Hardness Level: 4.5
Scratch Depth: 2
Speed: 3.5
Wear Rate: 1.5
Self Slurry: 1.5
Thirst: 2
Ease of Use: 3
Notes: A lovely stone and affordable stone. While it is on the harder side on paper, it was actually difficult (ie we had to intentionally try) to get the stone to scratch our test Kiridashi. The feedback was tackier than expected given its hardness, providing more feedback and reducing the chances of slipping that can occur with harder stones. Again despite its hardness, it is rather fast and creates black slurry after 10-20 seconds. It provides a brighter Kasumi with relative ease, we're rather impressed. For the price it is a good choice for both beginners and intermediate users despite its hardness. Its dimensions and hardness will make it last many years.
Recommended Usage: Keen edges, polishing for frosty to bright Kasumi on wide bevels. Very good 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.