Honma Natural Whetstone, Mount Tsan, Kyoto, Complete, 1,874g / #24

What does it take to create ‘even better whetstones’? 〇 It is said that ‘whetstones are compatible with certain materials,’ but instead of being ashamed of the present, let’s think and consider every day, ‘Let’s make even better whetstones,’ and without hesitation, let’s ask everyone. 〇 Even if they are thin, narrow, or compact, don’t let your guard down, don’t cut corners, and strive to perform their duties as tools with care. They possess the power to cultivate a spirit of continuous improvement that will lead to even better sharpening lives for everyone. 〇 Show gratitude to the pioneers of [Toga] and take care of them properly to keep them clean and bright. We can enjoy the convenience and abundance of today, which has been built upon a long history. Let’s cherish and protect the visible and invisible with gratitude, and never forget. 〇 Let’s properly convey the intangible, internal assets of whetstone artisans and continue to create ‘even better whetstones’ so that everyone’s happy sharpening lives will continue.

This is a collaborative sales product of a Kyoto Prefecture-approved business cooperative association established by multiple whetstone artisan businesses and landowners in [Toga], Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, near Narataki and Umegahata. To produce locally within the business area, the association centralizes joint forestry management, mining, ore selection, and manufacturing to verify the details of origin with greater certainty and to contribute to quality control. Since the late Heian period, the [Komon] family of the [Jikoji] domain, and since the early Edo period, the [Yamamoto] family have passed down geological information about the ore deposit, construction techniques, and stone forging skills. To eliminate the worry of relying on oral traditions and master-apprentice relationships, we promote joint ownership and mutual supplementation to create an environment for nurturing the next generation and connecting to a long-lasting traditional industry. Geological information is certainly essential for mining, but we burn with the desire to create ‘even better whetstones’ every day, and by thinking together, listening to everyone, and steadily accumulating efforts, we hope that even better successors will be born and ‘even better whetstones’ will continue to be created.

・75 x 174 x 61 mm, 1,874g. Ink markings can be washed off with water. If you want to fix them, coat with [Ishi-san] preservative diluted 2-4 times with water. It will disappear if you apply it with a roller or by dripping and applying it like a stencil. [Ishi-san] preservative can be removed with kerosene. ・A pair of uncut, natural stone forms connected without forging. You can strike in the middle to separate another piece. Particularly hard. ・For origin certificates or handwritten inscriptions on the side, please contact the association before ordering, as we require a collection beforehand. ・Tends to be harder and more refined, like black rock juice. Because it is hard, self-sharpening ability decreases, so sharpen gradually while performing [Komon-gake] as needed, according to the purpose and degree of refinement.

【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.