Natural Whetstone – Shohonyama Awasedo “Iromono” Red Type (Aka-pin) with Karasu Pattern – 894 g (approx. 208 × 82 × 22 mm)
A rare Japanese Natural Whetstone (Awasedo) quarried from Kyoto’s Shohonyama area, long revered as the heart of Japan’s natural finishing stone tradition.
This Iromono (Aka-pin, red-hued) stone was originally stocked by a long-established Kyoto whetstone shop, a member of the Kyoto Natural Whetstone Association, guaranteeing authenticity and provenance.
Its surface displays a warm reddish tone with elegant Karasu (crow-feather) patterns — a classic aesthetic combination highly sought after by collectors.
With slightly soft hardness, it delivers a smooth and silky sharpening feel, creating a refined kasumi (misty) finish especially suited for Japanese kitchen knives forged from Shirogami (white steel) and Aogami (blue steel).
Natural suji (lines) are visible and may be felt slightly during sharpening, but they do not interfere with performance — rather, they highlight the stone’s genuine, unaltered character.
The back and sides are sealed with Ishisan (water-based protective coating) for durability and preservation.
✨ Features
Origin: Shohonyama, Kyoto, Japan
Type: Iromono (Aka-pin, red-hued) with Karasu pattern
Dimensions: 208 × 82 × 22 mm
Weight: 894 g
Hardness: Slightly soft
Condition: Lapped flat, chamfered, ready to use
Coating: Back and sides sealed with Ishisan (water-based protective sealant)
🔪 Recommended for
Japanese kitchen knives (especially Shirogami and Aogami steels)
Kasumi (hazy) finish polishing
Professional chefs and serious sharpening enthusiasts
A Natural Stone shaped through Kyoto’s Traditional Craft, combining gentle tactile feedback with refined finishing ability.
Perfect as an Original Gift or Unique Gift, this One of a Kind Shohonyama Iromono (Aka-pin) captures both the artistry and history of Japan’s finest whetstones.
