Honyama Awasedo

Dimensions (mm) / Weight

208x76x42 / 1,570g

Performance

Hardness / Fineness: 3- / 4

While the precise classification of this stone is unknown, its performance more than makes up for the lack of provenance. This stone has delightfully smooth sharpening feel and very versatile behavior. I have used it successfully on everything from stainless steels to very simple carbon. It is precisely the type of stone I find myself reaching for most often - consistent, fast, and straightforward to use.

During polishing, this stone would serve as an excellent all-rounder kasumi stone for anyone looking for a one-stop-shop. It leaves a finish devoid of visible scratches, strong contrast, and some detail. For those who prefer to use a progression of stones, this is an excellent stone that sits between finer synthetics or mid grit naturals and the finest natural stones. It is comparable in use to something like Maruo shiro suita or Shobu tenjyou suita. 

For sharpening, this stone has wonderful feel and is a lovely balance of tooth and refinement for most kitchen tasks. While not fine enough to finish a razor, it can handle a bevel set on well-maintained razors and leave an apex well prepared for the hardest and finest of stones.

Aesthetics & Other Notes

The color reminds me of the red clay dirt I grew up with. There is a natural warmth to the brown tones in this stone that is beautiful, yet understated. There is a smattering of butter yellow namazu and darker brown nashiji patterning throughout. Further down the stone there appears to be a layer of momiji, but it could be a different pattern as well. 

There is a minor crack towards the bottom of the stone, but the stone has been sealed in many layers of traditional cashew lacquer and I do not consider the crack to be a long term risk. 

Honyama (  本山)

It is easy to get caught up in the precise provenance of certain stones. While it is always preferable to have precise information to a stones source, there are many incredible stones for which the wholesaler or vendor lacks enough information to give a precise origin.

* I purchased this stone on a whim from at auction, I am selling here below purchase price