Michibiki - Uncompromising synthetic whetstone from Kyoto

Tanaka Toishi (Kyoto, Japan)

Grit: 3000
Abrasive: Green Silicon Carbide, sometimes called “Green Carbon”.
Weight: 757 g
Dimensions: 222 × 85 × 28 mm
Type: Soaking stone. Soak 10-15 minutes before use.

Michibiki is a new Japanese premium series developed by Tanaka Toishi, the same company that holds the mineral rights to the legendary Nakayama natural stone quarry. The series is made for knife enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance, maximum cutting ability, precise feedback, and a finish approaching that of natural stones. Michibiki produces an unusually even, full, and misty kasumi finish on laminated steel, something rare among synthetic stones.

“These stones consist of the highest performing materials, and nothing is added to the stone that doesn’t need to be there.”
Tanaka-san, during our visit to Kyoto (September 2025)

By this, Tanaka means that the formula is optimized for performance, not cost. A high proportion of expensive abrasive grains and a carefully selected binder give fast cutting action, clear feedback, and minimal tendency to “glaze” over. The stone is expensive. The performance is absolute.

White or Green stone – which should you choose?

White (WA / White Alumina):
All-round performance, controlled cutting, fantastic on stainless steel, produces a clean, even edge and maintains its shape well.

Green (GC / Green Silicon Carbide):
More aggressive. Bites hard even on very tough steels. Known for fast material removal and a fine kasumi finish during polishing.

Why?

• WA - White Aluminum Oxide is often used in medium to fine grits because it cuts quickly yet controllably and wears slowly, especially effective on stainless steels.

• GC - Green Silicon Carbide, sometimes called “Green Carbon” or simply “GC”, is a harder, sharper abrasive that removes material quickly, ideal for thinning or enhancing contrast in kasumi finishes.

How they feel in use

• Soft but firm feel: Michibiki stones contain a high ratio of abrasive to binder, resulting in fast cutting with a stable, confident feel.

• Even scratch pattern: Scratches blend out quickly between steps; softer steels are left with a uniform, misty kasumi (especially with the Green/GC stones).

• Soaking: 10-15 minutes before sharpening.

• Durable and often larger than many standard stones, providing a comfortable platform and stable angle control.
  

320 grit - For fast thinning and chip repair.

• Choose Green GC 320 for maximum material removal.

• Choose White WA 320 for a slightly milder yet still fast cut that holds its shape better.

1000 grit - For base sharpness and daily kitchen maintenance:

• White WA 1000 gives a clean, biting edge on stainless steels.

• Green GC 1000 gives more “bite” and faster work on tougher steels.
  The Green 1000 grit stone produces an incredibly full kasumi. We at Cleancut are truly amazed by its cutting power and the covering kasumi it creates.

2000–3000 grit - For edge and kasumi polishing:

• White WA 3000 gives a clean, dense finish on the edge.

• Green GC 2000/3000 combines speed with a hazy kasumi on laminated steels.