This natural finishing stone is believed to have been distributed in the mid-Showa period, approximately between the 1950s and 1970s. Based on its surviving label, it is thought to have come from one of the quarries known as No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 Mountain in the Narutaki area. The original period label is part of this stone’s appeal.

In recent years, particularly in sword polishing, “Narutaki” has sometimes been used as a broad term for Kyoto finishing stones, including those from Nakayama and Shoubudani. Narutaki was also known as a distinct whetstone-producing area, however, and stones were traded under its own name.

The stone retains the original markings “Shohonyama Narutaki” (正本山鳴滝) and “Daigokujō” (大極上, highest grade), along with the distributor’s trademark. These markings suggest that, despite its small size, the distributor regarded it as a top-grade stone.

It has a dense structure, well-balanced hardness, and excellent cutting power. During our sharpening test, it naturally produced a fine slurry without the use of a nagura stone. It responded to the blade from the first stroke, allowing for delicate, precise sharpening. It is well suited to the final finishing of straight razors, woodworking tools, and traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

Beyond its practical qualities, the surviving label makes it an appealing collector’s piece that preserves a part of Kyoto’s natural whetstone culture from the Showa era.

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 : 58mm×164mm×20mm ( Approx.)