[Iyo-me] Natural Whetstone, Tokogawa Village, Mt. Yama, Showa Red Star Upper, Neutral, Rust-Resistant #76 /1,223g, 73 x 206 x 37mm #14976

Iyo Province natural whetstones are believed to have circulated in the Seto Inland Sea as early as the Kofun period, and are renowned as the foremost producers of branded whetstones within the world’s oldest and largest class of volcanic rock systems, with a history of over 1,500 years.

Our nation’s branded whetstone resources possessed the power to change entire ethnicities and nations.

Due to a lack of iron ore, the efficiency of production was far inferior, and being a latecomer due to unique sand iron smelting and the remoteness of the outlying islands of the Far East, this was a fatal condition, like losing a limb, in creating an iron civilization. The consumable goods that allow for the processing of harder, more resilient iron products at will are our nation’s branded whetstone resources, a certainty confirmed by history and tradition. After all, until the 19th century, the performance of natural whetstones dominated iron tool development.

・Despite having poor location conditions, comparable to architecture, it boasts the world’s oldest and largest wooden structures.

・The superb technique of Japanese swords, a product of extraordinary skill in ironworking. A warrior’s world, staking their lives on each sword, lasted for 700 years.

・Despite being a latecomer to a remote area, it achieved the world’s leading invention of iron products in the Middle Ages, and is now known as a manufacturing powerhouse.

The Iron Age, which lasted from prehistoric times to the mid-Heisei era. That is to say, the power to produce iron was not only essential for manufacturing but also served as a medium for weaving together the maturity of culture and nations.

Rare and difficult to obtain, overflowing with uniqueness and authenticity, the branded whetstone resources have overcome countless layers of adversity related to iron. If we measure our nation’s various resources based on the values of the modern era, which place no value on petroleum or nuclear power, we could be considered a resource-rich nation. The strength gained only through overcoming scarcity and hardship adds depth and soul to history and tradition.

・73 x 206 x 37 mm, 1,223g. A hard, sticky, fine-grained whetstone with a neutral acidity, unlike the high-altitude products from areas such as Todo-cho, former Hirota-mura, which are difficult due to their acidity and are resistant to rust and easy to use. ・Not mined and reused from ore used in ceramic stone mountains other than Iyotoyama before the Showa era. It comes from the genuine Iyowato mine, which has continued since the feudal era. Hand-mined and hand-split, reading the grain of the stone and painstakingly shaping it on the plate. Also ideal for switching the cutting shape of high-speed steel. ・Mining is not done with heavy machinery, and cutting is done with diamond tombstone cutters. Regarding the “Iyo Meito” whetstone, as it is a counterfeit branded product, we are not involved. “Iyo Meito” from around 2007 is exclusive to us. To distinguish this, the brand name is handwritten on all whetstones except for the small sizes. We cannot answer inquiries regarding “Iyo Meito” that are loaded after our selection and manufacturing. ・Rough-surfaced metamorphic rhyolite and andesite produced in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. #1,000~5,000 grit. Tends to be hard and fine. The strongest retention of hardness and stickiness. Neutral and resistant to rust, unlike other Iyotoyama whetstones. Grinding ability is good and recovers well when creating a pattern with a diamond #400 or lower. Recommended over Komane-kura. Due to the round bottom and continuous striations, it lasts a long time at approximately 70% of its threshold and is less likely to produce a mirror-like finish compared to artificial whetstone grit, making it easy to draw out contrasts derived from differences in forging lines, material, and carbon content. ・Tends to be harder and finer, with a black rock juice. Because it is hard, sharpness decreases, so sharpen it gradually while performing Komane-kura as needed, depending on the purpose and training level.

【Voltage Compatibility】 When using electrical appliances, please note that they are designed for Japanese voltage specifications (90-110V), so if you use them with a different voltage, it may cause a malfunction.

【Plug Type】 Our products use Japanese plug types (A or B type). Please use a conversion adapter if necessary.

【Important Note on Transformers and Adapters】 A transformer adjusts voltage to match your device's requirements. A conversion adapter only changes the plug shape and does not adjust voltage. Using only a conversion adapter without a transformer may result in damage to the product.

【Liability】 We are not responsible for malfunctions or damages caused by improper use, such as operating the product without a transformer.