Japanese Natural Sharpening Stone Tsukinowa Awasedo Karasu Kiita JNAT, 767g from Kyoto

Tsukinowa Awasedo (月乃輪合砥) Karasu Kiita (カラス黄) is a rare Japanese natural finishing whetstone JNAT from Kyoto. This is a particularly large and exceptionally wide specimen featuring a warm yellow-ochre Kiita base combined with a distinctive gray and dark Karasu pattern.

Karasu (カラス, “crow”) is a term used for characteristic dark mottled, cloudy or web-like patterns found in some Japanese natural whetstones. On this stone, the Karasu pattern contrasts beautifully with the yellow-beige base, creating a distinctive Karasu Kiita appearance.

Sharpening Characteristics

The stone is described as 中硬め (Chūkatame) — medium-hard, making it a comfortable and versatile natural finishing Awasedo with good tactile feedback.

Estimated fineness is approximately #8000–10000+. As with all natural JNATs, grit ratings are approximate and should not be interpreted in the same way as fixed synthetic grit ratings.

The exceptionally large 193 × 136 mm working surface is a major advantage, particularly for large kitchen knives, plane blades, chisels and other wide tools.

Suitable for Japanese and Western kitchen knives, Aogami and Shirogami carbon steels, woodworking tools, straight razors, fine honing and polishing, and traditional Kasumi finishing of laminated Japanese blades.

It can be used with water alone or with a Tomo Nagura to quickly raise a fine natural slurry.

Tsukinowa

Tsukinowa-go-toishi (月乃輪合砥) belongs to the traditional Japanese natural whetstones of the Kyoto region. The Tsukinowa name is associated with the Tsukinowa-ji area near Mt. Atago.

Natural finishing stones from this region have historically been used for fine sharpening and polishing of cutting tools, as well as in the final stages of traditional Japanese blade polishing.

Japanese Markings

月乃輪合砥 — Tsukinowa Awasedo
カラス — Karasu, distinctive dark natural pattern
黄 — Ki / yellow
中硬め — Chūkatame, medium-hard
極上 — Gokujō, premium / highest grade
六十切 — 60-kiri, traditional stone size/format designation
薄板 — Usuita, thin plate

Specifications

Name: Tsukinowa Awasedo Karasu Kiita
Japanese: 月乃輪合砥 カラス黄
Type: JNAT / Japanese natural finishing Awasedo
Color/Pattern: yellow to ochre-beige Kiita with gray/dark Karasu
Dimensions: 193 × 136 × 12 mm
Weight: 767 g
Hardness: medium, approximately 4.0/5
Estimated fineness: #8000–10000+
Format: wide 60-kiri thin plate
Origin: Kyoto, Japan

A highly attractive working and collectible Tsukinowa Karasu Kiita, notable for its exceptionally wide 136 mm working surface, slim 12 mm profile and unique natural Karasu pattern.