Shohonyama Ōhira Awasedo Japanese Natural Whetstone — 40-Type Premium Seal Grade (1,342g)
Approx. 205 × 75 × 34 mm
An authentic natural finishing stone (Awasedo) from the legendary Ōhira Mine in Kyoto, Japan.
This large-format 40-Type specimen bears the historic "Premium Seal" (最高級印), a designation reserved for stones selected by expert graders for their exceptional quality and performance. Such officially graded examples are highly regarded among enthusiasts and represent an important part of Kyoto’s natural whetstone heritage.
Medium to hard in composition, the stone delivers a precise and stable sharpening experience combined with refined polishing capability. Its uniform abrasive structure and balanced feedback provide excellent consistency, making it well suited for both professional sharpening and advanced finishing work.
Its verified provenance and historical grading add significant appeal for collectors of premium Japanese natural stones.
Specifications & Features
Origin: Shohonyama, Ōhira Mine (Kyoto, Japan)
Type: Awasedo (Natural Finishing Stone)
Seal: Premium Seal (最高級印)
Format: Large 40-Type Block
Dimensions: Approx. 205 × 75 × 34 mm
Weight: 1,342 g
Hardness: Medium to Hard
(Excellent precision and edge refinement)
Condition: Unused
(Excellent vintage preservation)
Protection: Sides and bottom sealed with Ishisan premium water-based protective lacquer
Performance & Application
• Precise and stable sharpening characteristics
• Uniform abrasive action across the sharpening surface
• Excellent edge refinement and finishing performance
• Balanced tactile feedback and control
• Suitable for daily professional sharpening
• Consistent results across a wide range of blade steels
Recommended For
Kitchen Knives
Achieving professional-grade sharpness on Yanagiba, Deba, Gyuto, and other premium Japanese knives.
Carpentry Tools
Precision finishing for chisels (Nomi), plane blades (Kanna), and woodworking tools.
Fine Finishing Applications
General high-end polishing and delicate edge refinement.
Collectors
A certified Premium Seal specimen with authentic provenance and historical significance.
Collector's Note
Officially graded Ōhira stones bearing the 最高級印 (Premium Seal) represent a select class of natural whetstones chosen for superior quality. Vintage examples retaining their original grading designation are increasingly difficult to obtain and remain highly desirable among collectors.
Its combination of official certification, reliable sharpening performance, and excellent preservation makes this an outstanding representative of Kyoto's traditional natural stone craftsmanship.
Authentic Shohonyama Ōhira Awasedo — Premium Seal Grade (最高級印).
Rare large-format 40-Type specimen from the legendary Ōhira Mine.
Well-preserved 1,342 g vintage finishing stone from Kyoto, Japan.
A premium collector-grade Japanese natural whetstone combining certified quality, historical significance, and exceptional sharpening performance.
