Shohonyama Karasu Japanese Natural Whetstone — Extra-Thick Soft Awasedo (1,493g)
Approx. 186 × 70 × 48 mm
An authentic natural finishing stone (Awasedo) from the prestigious Shohonyama region of Kyoto, Japan.
This rare Karasu (烏) specimen was cut from old mountain stock and features an extra-thick body that offers exceptional longevity and long-term usability. The sharpening surface displays striking black feather-like Karasu patterns, a highly sought-after natural characteristic prized by collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese natural stones.
Soft in composition, the stone generates a rich slurry with minimal pressure, providing exceptionally smooth tactile feedback and a forgiving sharpening experience. Its fine abrasive action produces refined, uniform finishes while maintaining excellent edge control.
The surface has been professionally lapped and is ready for immediate use.
Specifications & Features
Origin: Shohonyama (Kyoto, Japan)
Type: Karasu Awasedo (Natural Finishing Stone)
Format: Extra-Thick Block
Dimensions: Approx. 186 × 70 × 48 mm
Weight: 1,493 g
Hardness: Soft
(Fast and abundant slurry generation)
Pattern: Distinct Black Feather-Like Karasu Pattern
Condition: Unused
(Professionally lapped and ready for immediate use)
Protection: Sides and bottom sealed with Ishisan premium water-based protective lacquer
Performance & Application
• Generates rich slurry quickly with light pressure
• Exceptionally smooth and comfortable sharpening feel
• Produces refined and uniform edge finishes
• Excellent tactile feedback and control
• Suitable for delicate finishing and polishing work
• Forgiving sharpening characteristics ideal for a wide range of users
Recommended For
Kitchen Knives
Achieving highly refined and uniform edges on premium Japanese and Western knives.
Carpentry Tools
Responsive, gentle finishing for chisels (Nomi), plane blades (Kanna), and woodworking tools.
Straight Razors
Smooth low-pressure final-stage honing and edge refinement.
Collectors
A visually striking Karasu specimen valued for its bold natural patterning and substantial thickness.
Collector's Note
Karasu-pattern natural stones are among the most visually distinctive and collectible varieties of Kyoto whetstones. Well-defined feather-like markings, particularly on large and thick specimens, are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
Its combination of attractive natural artistry, practical sharpening performance, and generous thickness makes this an outstanding example for both serious users and collectors.
Authentic Shohonyama Karasu Awasedo Natural Whetstone.
Rare extra-thick specimen featuring dramatic black feather-like Karasu patterning.
Substantial 1,493 g finishing stone from Kyoto, Japan.
A premium collector-grade Japanese natural whetstone offering smooth performance, striking aesthetics, and long-term value.
