These vintage Nakayama nagura stones were acquired from a collector in Japan and are said to have circulated in the market around the 1950s (Showa 30s).

Whetstones from the Nakayama mine, operated by Kato Mining, are well known for showing different characteristics depending on the period in which they were quarried. Stones extracted before World War II tend to be relatively softer, whereas during the 1950s–1960s many well-structured, tightly grained stones of excellent quality were produced.

During this period, high-quality stones were also quarried from adits such as Kurumaguchi and Inojiriguchi. Offcuts produced when these stones were cut into larger whetstones were shaped and finished, and were distributed at the time as nagura stones.

These nagura were widely used in barbershops for the final finishing of straight razors, as well as for the delicate finishing of small knives and other fine blades. They were valued for many years as highly practical auxiliary stones.

Until about one or two years ago, we also sold Nakayama nagura as “Ikkyu Original Tomo Nagura.” However, those stones were quarried relatively recently, and supply from our source has since ceased.

Compared to those, this vintage Nakayama nagura offers a distinctly different sharpening feel. It is a remarkable piece that clearly demonstrates the exceptional quality of Nakayama stones that circulated during that era.

We have been listing these vintage Nakayama stones since last week, and due to requests from several customers, we are now posting them at scheduled times.

After photographing the stones at our warehouse, we measured and weighed each piece. However, I forgot to bring back the measurement notes, so the listed dimensions are approximate, based on past records.

If you would like to know the exact measurements, please feel free to contact us via message. We will re-measure the stones after March 24 (Tuesday) and provide you with accurate details.