[Iyo-meito] Natural Whetstone Tangawa Village Yamasan Small Akahoshi #41 / 327g 60 x 91 x 25mm #14941

The natural whetstones produced in Iyo Province are renowned as the oldest and largest whetstone industry in the world based on igneous rock, said to have circulated in the Seto Inland Sea as early as the Kofun period—over 1,500 years ago.

Our country’s whetstone resources possessed the economic power to change nations and peoples. The fact that we were latecomers, due to a lack of iron ore and a unique tatara steelmaking process that yielded significantly lower yields, and being located on remote islands in the Far East, was a fatal condition for creating an ironware civilization—like losing limbs. The consumable goods that allow for the free processing of harder and more tenacious iron products are, beyond doubt, our country’s whetstone resources, as evidenced by history and tradition. Until the 19th century, the performance of natural whetstones dictated the development of ironware.

Despite a poor location for construction, it is home to the world’s oldest and largest wooden structures.

The Japanese sword, a masterpiece of unparalleled ironworking skill. An age of samurai who risked their lives for a single blade lasted for 700 years.

Despite being a latecomer on the periphery, it achieved the invention of world-leading iron products in the Middle Ages and is now known as a manufacturing nation.

The Iron Age, which lasted from prehistoric times to the mid-Heisei period. That is, the power to produce iron was the very driving force behind manufacturing, culture, and the maturation of the nation. The unique and truthful whetstone resources, irreplaceable and invaluable, have overcome countless adversities related to iron. If we measure our country’s various resources based on the values of the modern era, which disregard oil and nuclear power, it could be called a resource-rich nation. The strength gained through overcoming scarcity and hardship illuminates the depths and soul of history and tradition.

・60 x 91 x 25 mm, 327g. Unlike the igneous rocks produced in the highlands of the former Hirota Village, Iyo Town, this stone is neutral, resists rusting, and is easy to use. It is firm, sticky, and falls into the category of fine-grained whetstones. ・This stone was hand-mined and hand-split, carefully read for its grain, and then honed on a lapping machine. It is ideal for switching between scratch patterns when using high-speed steel and similar materials. ・Mining is done with heavy machinery, and cutting is done with diamond tombstone cutters. We are not involved with stones labeled “Iyo Meito” that are imitations or unauthorized brandings. “Iyo Meito” has been exclusively produced by our company since around 2007. To distinguish our products, all markings other than the size are handwritten. We cannot respond to inquiries about “Iyo Meito” that are not selected and manufactured by our company. ・Coarse-grained altered rhyolite and andesite from Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. #1,000~5,000 grit. Moderately hard and fine-grained. The strongest balance of hardness and tenacity. Neutral and resistant to rust, unlike other Iyo whetstone mountains. Restoring the cutting ability by creating scratches with diamond abrasives #400 or lower. Recommended by Kyo Kuramochi. Due to the continuous circular scratches, it provides a long-lasting edge with approximately 70% retention and is less likely to produce a mirror finish like artificial whetstones, making it easier to reveal contrasts due to forging lines, material differences, and variations in carbon content. ・The stone tends to be hard and fine-grained, like black rock juice. Because hardness reduces self-sharpening, it is necessary to perform Kyo Kuramochi polishing as needed, 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.