Aizu

Size (mm) / Weight

210x65x35

Performance

Hardness / Fineness: 4 / 3-

Like most Aizu, this stones are quite hard and does not readily self slurry. However, it cuts efficiently so long as the surface remains wetted. Useful during polishing to convert synthetic scratches (3k range) into easier a smoother base for further natural stone surface work or for leaving as a pleasant working finish that is easily restored on a continuous basis. You can increase cutting speed and polishing comfort with a forced slurry but should dilute that slurry with additional water to achieve maximum refinement.

Aizu are well known to be exceptional for final sharpening of kitchen knife edges. Edges are keen, yet toothy matching well with waxy items like tomato or pepper skins.

Aesthetics & Other Notes

This stone displays classic aizu mint-green coloring (as well as a grassy-minty smell) with pale white feldspar dots throughout. It is a very homogenous stone. There may be some discoloration from decades of storage on the sides but this is aesthetic only.

Aizu (会津砥)

This mine was located not around Kyoto, but further north near Fukushima. These stones are perhaps the most coveted mid-grit, nakatoishi, coming out of Japan. These stones are typically pale blue to minty green with white spotting and occasionally black renge-like patterning. This mine closed in the 1950s.

** I am working on producing polish pictures for new stock