This is a vintage natural finishing stone from Narutaki, Kyoto. Narutaki has long been recognized as one of Kyoto's most important natural whetstone-producing areas and was widely used by chefs, carpenters, sword polishers, and barbers throughout Japan from the Meiji period (1868–1912) through the Showa period (1926–1989). This particular stone is a high-grade finishing stone that was distributed around the middle of the Showa era (approximately the 1950s–1970s). Based on the surviving labels, it is believed to have been mined from one of the quarry sections known as No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 Mountain within the Narutaki district. All of these quarries have long since been closed, making examples that still retain their original period labels exceptionally rare today. In recent years, particularly among sword polishers, the term "Narutaki" has often been used as a collective name for Kyoto's eastern whetstone-producing region, including famous areas such as Nakayama and Shoubudani. Historically, however, Narutaki itself was one of Kyoto's principal whetstone-producing districts and, prior to World War II and continuing through the Showa period (1926–1989), was traded and recognized as an individual quarry area in the same manner as Nakayama and Shoubudani. The sharpening feel is exceptionally uniform and refined, with a dense stone structure that provides a pleasant degree of cushioning and smooth blade travel across the surface. These characteristics make it particularly well suited for the finishing of woodworking tools such as chisels and planes, reflecting the high level of performance demanded by craftsmen of the period. The inscriptions "Hon Narutaki" (Genuine Narutaki) and "Shiageto" (Finishing Stone) remain visible on the stone, suggesting that the original distributor marketed it as a premium-quality product with great confidence in its performance. This stone is appealing not only as a practical sharpening tool but also as a collector's piece that preserves a tangible part of Kyoto's natural whetstone history and culture from the Showa era (1926–1989)

Please note that these are not for beginner sharpeners since they're harder to use. These are natural stones meaning that every single one of them are different so my measured sizes are not accurate. This is a lifetime investment for people who live sharpening their knives and tools, do not hesitate to ask me your questions.”

Dimension : 60mm×140-160mm×25mm ( Approx.) 

Weight: 541g