Japanese Natural Sharpening Stone Tsukinowa Hon Suita Nashiji 1051g from Kyoto

Tsukinowa Awasedo is a type of Japanese natural sharpening stone historically quarried on the grounds of Tsukinowa-ji Temple, located near Mount Atago in Kyoto. It is known for its exceptionally smooth, almost slightly “sticky” sharpening feel combined with strong abrasive performance.

月乃輪合砥 (Tsukinowa Awasedo) — Tsukinowa finishing stone.
本巣板 (Hon Suita) — genuine Suita.
梨地満遍 (Nashiji Manben) — evenly distributed “pear-skin” structure. This is considered a desirable feature, indicating that the fine pores are spread consistently throughout the stone.
中硬め (Chūkatame) — medium-hard.
極上 (Gokujō) — highest grade.
二十四切 — 24-cut size format.

The stone has a very attractive warm yellow coloration. Fine reddish speckling typical of Nashiji is clearly visible across the surface.

The reverse side retains its old natural kawa skin. Such natural crust is commonly seen on Tsukinowa stones, and in this case it appears dense and well-aged. The side faces are also particularly attractive, clearly showing the stone’s layered geological structure with no loose or weak seams.

There are no sandy inclusions, which is a very positive sign for a genuine Hon Suita. By all visible characteristics, this is a dense, high-quality Suita from a very good layer.

Sharpening speed is above average. The stone releases slurry easily, works very well with water alone, and produces an excellent finish on carbon steels.

It is especially well suited for Aogami and Shirogami steels, for which it can be considered an almost ideal finishing stone.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: approximately 221 × 84 × 23 mm
• Weight: 1051 g
• Estimated grit: #8000+
• Hardness: 4.2–4.5 / 5
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