Natural Whetstone Nakayama Akapin 1863g | Made in Japan, Kyoto, Shohonyama

Nakayama Akapin Ikimurasaki Nashiji – 1,863g
Approx. 207 × 73 × 54 mm

An exceptionally rare, investment-grade Japanese natural finishing stone (Awasedo) from the legendary Nakayama Mine in Kyoto’s renowned Shohonyama region.

True Nakayama Akapin (Red-Tint) stones are among the rarest and most sought-after natural whetstones in existence, with genuine examples seldom appearing on the open market. Although this specimen does not carry ink stamps, its authenticity as a true Nakayama Akapin is firmly supported by its distinctive geological characteristics, signature sharpening feedback, and direct provenance from the specialist dealer who originally distributed it.

Weighing 1,863 g and measuring an impressive 54 mm in thickness, this stone showcases the coveted Akapin base coloration combined with a beautiful Ikimurasaki (soft pink-purple) hue and delicate Nashiji (pear-skin) texture, creating an appearance rarely encountered even among high-grade Nakayama stones.

Condition & Handling Notes

As is characteristic of genuine Nakayama Akapin material, this stone possesses a relatively soft structure and generates slurry quickly during use.

A minor repaired chip is present on one side, along with a professionally stabilized filled crack. Importantly, the primary sharpening surface remains completely unaffected—flat, clean, and free from chips or defects.

These cosmetic repairs do not impact sharpening performance, and the stone remains fully functional and stable for professional use.

Due to the naturally delicate nature of Akapin material, careful handling is recommended.

Specifications & Features

Origin: Nakayama, Shohonyama (Kyoto, Japan)

Type: Akapin Ikimurasaki Nashiji
(Extremely Rare Nakayama Material)

Provenance: Authenticity guaranteed through dealer provenance, geological characteristics, and distinctive sharpening feedback
(No ink stamps present)

Dimensions: Approx. 207 × 73 × 54 mm

Weight: 1,863 g

Hardness: Medium
(Soft, fast-slurrying texture with excellent responsiveness)

Condition:
Sharpening surface pristine and clean
(Repaired side chip and stabilized filled crack present)

Protection: Sides and bottom sealed with Ishisan premium water-based stone sealant

Performance & Application

• Rapid slurry generation with minimal effort

• Fast cutting action and excellent sharpening efficiency

• Smooth, comfortable tactile feedback

• Exceptional control during edge refinement

• Produces a beautifully soft and traditional Kasumi finish

• Particularly well suited to high-carbon Japanese steels

Recommended For

Kitchen Knives
Excellent for Shirogami, Aogami, and other premium Japanese knife steels.

Carpentry Tools
Fine sharpening and finishing of plane blades (Kanna) and chisels (Nomi).

Straight Razors
Smooth edge refinement and delicate finishing work.

Collectors
A highly unusual Nakayama specimen combining rare coloration, texture, and provenance.

Collector's Note

Genuine Nakayama Akapin stones occupy a legendary position among Japanese natural whetstones and are increasingly difficult to acquire. Their distinctive sharpening characteristics, unique coloration, and scarcity have made them highly prized by knowledgeable collectors worldwide.

The combination of authentic Nakayama origin, rare Ikimurasaki coloration, delicate Nashiji texture, and substantial dimensions places this specimen in an exceptionally desirable category. Opportunities to obtain a genuine Akapin stone of this size and character are exceedingly uncommon.

Authentic Kyoto Nakayama Akapin Ikimurasaki Nashiji.
Ultra-rare sourced specimen with verified dealer provenance.
Substantial 1,863 g stone featuring beautiful pink-purple hues and classic Nashiji texture.
A collector-grade Japanese natural whetstone offering legendary rarity, refined Kasumi finishing ability, and exceptional sharpening character.