Natural Whetstone Atagoyama Awasedo 2199g | Made in Japan, Kyoto, Shohonyama

Shohonyama Atagoyama Awasedo Japanese Natural Whetstone (2,199g)
Approx. 208 × 77 × 48 mm

An authentic natural finishing stone (Awasedo) from the prestigious Atagoyama Mine in Kyoto, Japan—historically revered and favored by master chefs working in Kyoto’s traditional Ryōtei (fine dining) establishments.

This premium specimen was originally stamped Gokujōhin (極上品 – Special Grade) prior to professional surface preparation. Although the stamp on the sharpening face was removed during lapping to ensure optimal performance, its provenance and original grading remain fully verified.

Medium-hard in composition, the stone offers smooth tactile control, responsive slurry generation, and strong polishing ability. It sharpens efficiently while producing a refined, semi-mirror Kasumi finish with excellent edge consistency.

Its substantial thickness and professionally prepared flat surface ensure outstanding durability and long service life for professional use.

Specifications & Features

Origin: Shohonyama, Atagoyama Mine (Kyoto, Japan)

Type: Awasedo (Natural Finishing Stone)

Grade: Gokujōhin (極上品 / Special Grade)

Reputation: Traditionally favored by Kyoto Ryōtei chefs

Dimensions: Approx. 208 × 77 × 48 mm

Weight: 2,199 g

Hardness: Medium-Hard
(Smooth feedback with quick slurry generation)

Condition: Unused
(Professionally lapped and ready for immediate use; original face stamp removed during preparation)

Protection: Sides and bottom sealed with Ishisan premium water-based protective lacquer

Performance & Application

• Smooth and controlled sharpening feel

• Quick slurry generation for efficient polishing

• Strong polishing power with excellent edge refinement

• Produces a refined semi-mirror Kasumi finish

• Consistent sharpening performance across the entire surface

• Excellent balance of cutting speed and finishing quality

Recommended For

Kitchen Knives
Achieving highly refined, uniform edges on premium Japanese and Western knives.

Carpentry Tools
Precision finishing for chisels (Nomi), plane blades (Kanna), and fine woodworking tools.

Straight Razors
Smooth final-stage honing and delicate edge refinement.

Collectors
A substantial Gokujōhin-grade Atagoyama specimen valued for its provenance, performance, and historical reputation.

Collector's Note

Atagoyama stones have long enjoyed a strong reputation among Kyoto craftsmen and professional chefs for their dependable performance and refined finishing qualities. Verified Gokujōhin (Special Grade) examples are increasingly difficult to obtain, especially in larger sizes with substantial remaining thickness.

Its combination of historical significance, professional usability, and excellent preservation makes this a highly desirable example of Kyoto's traditional natural whetstone craftsmanship.

Authentic Shohonyama Atagoyama Awasedo — Gokujōhin Special Grade.
Historically favored by Kyoto Ryōtei chefs and craftsmen.
Substantial 2,199 g natural finishing stone from Kyoto, Japan.
A premium collector-grade Japanese natural whetstone offering refined performance, proven heritage, and exceptional long-term value.