Antique Renge Shiro Suita

Size (mm) / Weight

178x52x38 / 769g

Performance

Hardness / Fineness: 4 / 5-

This stone is exceptional in every way other than size. It feels buttery and smooth under the blade and quickly polishes or sharpens. It will not generate an excess of slurry and is hard enough that water management is easy. Polishes are glossy, contrasted and fine. It is fine enough to be a finisher for single bevel knives and tools but is just barely not fine enough for me to feel comfortable recommending it as a razor finisher. While not large, I polished a 300mm yanagiba on this stone and did not feel stressed for size. The bottom is heavily chiseled and won't lay flat, but a custom cut dai is included.

Aesthetics & Other Notes

This stone is almost entirely sunashi and the two small lines are color only and totally benign. This is amongst the most beautiful stones I have held with a pure white base and dense layers of red renge. The prominent hand sawn sides add to the experience.