This is a rare Japanese natural finishing whetstone known as Ōhira Renge Suita, originating from the Ōhira mine in Kyoto, Japan. This particular stone was purchased directly from the original quarry source, ensuring its authentic provenance.

Beautiful Renge (lotus) patterns, characteristic of Suita stones, are evenly distributed across the entire sharpening surface. Renge Suita stones have become increasingly difficult to obtain in recent years, making this specimen highly appealing not only as a practical finishing whetstone but also as a collectible piece displaying the distinctive natural beauty prized by Japanese natural whetstone enthusiasts.

Despite its dense and well-consolidated structure, the stone engages the blade exceptionally well and delivers excellent abrasive performance. During sharpening, it continuously produces a dark slurry rich in fine steel particles, allowing the blade surface to be refined efficiently and consistently.

Its abrasive action is clearly perceptible, yet the sharpening feel remains smooth and highly controllable. This allows the user to monitor the blade's condition throughout the sharpening process and maintain consistent precision and control.

On soft-iron Jigane, the stone produces a beautiful, subdued hazy finish that creates a striking contrast with the harder Hagane steel. This makes it possible to achieve a refined and elegant Kasumi finish efficiently, bringing out the natural distinction between the two types of steel.

The stone is particularly well suited for polishing the wide bevels of traditional Japanese kitchen knives and laminated blades, offering an excellent balance between effective abrasive performance and aesthetic refinement.

The beautifully balanced Renge patterns covering the entire sharpening surface, continuous production of dark slurry, excellent cutting performance, and smooth, manageable sharpening feedback are among the most distinctive characteristics of this Ōhira Renge Suita.

Combining outstanding practical sharpening performance with exceptional natural beauty, this specimen is highly appealing both as a premium Japanese natural finishing whetstone and as a collectible example of Kyoto's traditional whetstone heritage.

 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  : 70mm×198mm×1-19mm ( Approx.) 

 Weight: 604g