Natural Whetstones

Whetstones can basically be divided into rough Arato(ishi) 荒砥, medium Nakato(ishi) 中砥 and fine Shiageto(ishi) 仕上げ砥, or in man-made Jinzôtoishi 人造砥石 vs natural Tennen Toishi 天然砥石. Natural Arato are mainly sandstone based like the Ikazuchi above from Nagasaki prefecture. Many Arato have been mined in Nagasaki prefecture, some in Wakayama (Kishû Ōmura) and Chiba (Chôshi).… Continue reading Natural Whetstones