[Iyo-me] Natural Whetstone, Tokogawa Village, Mt. Yamayama, Red Dwarf, Neutral, Rust-Resistant #80 / 755g, 88 x 162 x 24mm #14980 Natural

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.

The lack of iron ore and being a latecomer due to unique sand iron smelting, which greatly inferior to the yield of modern smelting, and being located on a remote island in the Far East, were fatally disadvantageous conditions for creating an iron civilization, as if losing limbs.

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.

Until the 19th century, the performance of natural whetstones dominated iron tool development.

・Despite having poor location for construction, it coexists with 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 region, it achieved the invention of the world’s leading iron products during the medieval period, leading to its current recognition as a manufacturing powerhouse.

From before recorded history until the mid-1980s, the age of iron. That is, the ability to produce iron was not only essential for manufacturing but also served as a medium for weaving together the maturity of culture and nation.

Rare and difficult to obtain, the branded whetstone resources, overflowing with uniqueness and authenticity, 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, when petroleum and nuclear power were considered valuable, we could be considered a resource-rich nation.

The strength gained only through overcoming scarcity and hardship illuminates history, tradition, and the soul.

・88 x 162 x 24 mm, 755g. Produced in high-altitude areas such as Tobu-cho, former Hirota-mura, with a neutral acidity unlike other volcanic rocks, making it less prone to rust and easy to use. Hard, tenacious, particularly fine medium to fine grade. Rare production rate.

・In addition to the operating expenses for mining, a portion of the sales of the Tangawa whetstone mountain association seal products will be returned to the association. By using it every day, you will directly deliver your appreciation to Tangawa, which possesses the authentic Iyo branded whetstone mountain. The production ratio is small, especially the fine, hard type with smaller stars, reaching a refined finish comparable to a pre-polishing grade. Hand-mined and hand-split, reading the grain and carefully shaping it on the stone plate. Optimal solution for switching cutting patterns, including carbide materials. Therefore, while slate whetstones are not essential, the absence of a notch switching mechanism will cause bubbles. Therefore, you should acquire one from rust-resistant neutral Iyo whetstones. The “Iyo Meito” designation from around 2007 refers only to pebble whetstones. We cannot answer inquiries regarding other selections and manufacturing labeled as “Iyo Meito.”

・Rough-faced metamorphic rhyolite and andesite produced in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. #1,000~5,000 grit. Tends to be harder and more refined. The strongest combination of hardness and tenacity. Neutral, with rust resistance unlike other Iyo whetstone mountains. When creating a cutting edge with a diamond #400 or lower, it will grind well and recover. Recommended over Komane-kura. Due to the continuous notch shape, it lasts longer at approximately 70% of its threshold and is less likely to produce a mirror-like finish compared to artificial whetstone grit, making it easier to draw out contrast derived from differences in forging lines, material, and carbon content.

・The harder and more refined the stone tends to be, the darker the rock juice. Because hardness reduces self-sharpness, sharpen by periodically performing Komane-kura depending on the purpose and skill 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.