DAIKUDOU | Japanese Natural Whetstones & Woodworking Tools

About DAIKUDOU

Japanese Shohonyama natural whetstones are the ultimate solution for sharpening every blade.

As an active Japanese carpenter since 2000, I have maintained my own precious tools with these authentic Japanese natural stones.

I personally select and offer these legendary stones, along with genuine tools like chisels and planes.

Each item is individually inspected for its quality and unique characteristics before being delivered to craftsmen and enthusiasts around the world.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Kyoto Quarry Map

This map introduces the historic quarry locations of Kyoto's natural whetstones, renowned for producing some of the finest sharpening stones in Japan.

It provides an overview of well-known quarry areas and helps illustrate the geographical origins of these exceptional stones.

Each region possesses unique geological characteristics, resulting in different sharpening qualities, hardness, and finishing performance.

Stratigraphy Chart of Shōhonyama

Natural Whetstones from the Kyoto Region

Natural whetstones quarried around Kyoto are broadly divided into “Higashimono” (Eastern stones) and “Nishimono” (Western stones), with Mt. Atago serving as the dividing line.

1. Higashimono (Eastern Stones)
Mainly quarried in and around the Umegahata area.

Honkuchinari (本石成り)
Nakayama, Shōbu, Okudo, Narutaki, Ōzuku, Ozaki, Aiwatani, Takashima, Wakasa, and others.

2. Nishimono (Western Stones)
Quarried mainly in the Tamba region.

Chūishinari (中石成り)
Atago, Tsukinowa, and others.

Aishinari (合石成り)
Yaginoshima, Umajiyama, Ōhira, Mizukihara, Ōuchi, Ikenouchi, Maruoyama, Shinden, Okunomon, Hakka, Hideriyama, Kōzaki, and others.

AKAPIN

Located at the top layer of the quarry, in the high-mottled stone. Some hardness variations soft and point heavy. Relatively soft and pliable and prized for its utility and beauty and availability of larger stones.

TENJŌ-SUITA / UCHIGUMORI

Located directly beneath Akapin. This layer produces rare Uchigumori stones, essential for polishing Japanese swords. Particularly rare Uchigumori stones are used for refined sword polishing. It is a very soft stone and indispensable for Japanese sword polishing.

HACHIMAI

Located directly beneath Tenjō-suita. Striking beauty and practical use. Its material is very consistent, valued not only as a practical tool but also for high-end infrastructure.

SENMAI

Formed by compression of countless extremely thin strata, making it exceptionally difficult to find. The quantity is extremely limited, making it one of the rarest.

TOMAE

Located at the center of the quarry. Dense, tightly-packed texture. It has an ideal balance of hardness and feedback for all users, including fine cutlery, to enhance the edge and provide a superb finish.

AISA

Slightly softer and more resilient than Tomae. Gentle and smooth with a mild feedback, making it ideal even for beginners to achieve a consistent edge.

NAMITO

Known for its high elasticity and refined luster. This stone matures alongside the user, developing unique quality from prolonged use.

HON-SUITA

Located at the lowermost part of the quarry. Very high density and superior hardness, formed under extreme geological pressure with minimal flaws. Only the very best selection.