Ohira natural whetstone with lacquered sides.

This stone is suitable both for setting a final edge and for polishing a beautiful kasumi finish.  

The stone feels slightly softer to work on compared to other Ohira stones, which are usually harder. The kasumi finish it produces is medium-dark, and the stone provides excellent coverage.

Dimensions: 160 × 57 × 20 mm
Weight: 408 g

Ohira is the name of the mountain in Kyoto where these stones were originally quarried. Supply is now very limited, as the mountain has been completely depleted. Japanese natural stones are immensely popular for their ability to leave a beautifully glossy surface, smooth and silky to the touch.

Note: Japanese natural stones come with no guarantee against cracking. This is because the stone behaves like a living material, and spontaneous cracks may develop over time. The stone should not be soaked in water — instead, simply sprinkle the desired amount of water on the surface before use.