{"title":"Nakato (Medium)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMedium Japanese natural stones — the bridge between coarse shaping and finishing. Used to refine the bevel and clear coarse scratches.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"raw-tajima","title":"Hon-Tajima Natural Whetstone #21097","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHon-Tajima Natural Whetstone (天然但馬砥石)  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn authentic, vintage Tajima Toishi (Hon-Tajima) sourced from the defunct quarries of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Functioning as a traditional medium-grit stone (Chu-toishi, ~#800–#2,000 grit), Tajima is prized among blade sharpeners and woodworkers for yielding a fast, creamy slurry that produces a clean pre-polish and rich kasumi haze on clad steel bevels.  \u003cbr\u003eAt over 5.2 lbs and full bench length, this massive block provides a wide, stable sharpening platform capable of handling large kitchen knives (gyuto, yanagiba) and broad woodworking plane irons (kanna).  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese Natural Whetstone (JNAT) \/ Medium Grit (Chu-toishi)  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tajima (但馬), Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarkings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prominent boxed Honba Tajima To (本場但馬砥) regional provenance stamp and side inspection seal  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8-1\/4\" × 3-1\/8\" × 2-1\/4\" (210 mm × 80 mm × 56 mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.20 lb (2,368 g)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Visual Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStamps:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear, bold black-ink provenance stamp (Honba Tajima To) on the face and secondary oval inspection mark on the side.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatrix \u0026amp; Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale greenish-ash volcanic body showing handsome golden-brown\/tan oxidation and natural mineral staining across the sides and top.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape \u0026amp; Cut: \u003c\/strong\u003eOversized bench block with an angled trapezoidal profile and prominent quarry saw ridges across both primary faces.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlaws:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notable diagonal corner breakout\/loss at one end, natural edge chippy areas, and raw quarry surface grooves (sold unlapped as-found).  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44969152381059,"sku":"","price":320.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/DSC0883-edit.jpg?v=1731292892"},{"product_id":"raw-tajima-1","title":"Hon-Tajima Natural Whetstone #13987","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHon-Tajima Natural Whetstone (天然但馬砥石)  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn authentic, vintage Tajima Toishi (Hon-Tajima) quarried from the defunct mines of Hyōgo Prefecture. Classified as a classic medium-grit whetstone (Chu-toishi, ~#800–#2,000 grit), Tajima is renowned for generating a fast, creamy slurry that produces a clean pre-polish and a rich kasumi haze on clad kitchen knives and woodworking tools.  \u003cbr\u003eWeighing nearly 5.5 lbs with a wide, generous footprint, this heavy block provides ample surface area for full-sized blades (gyuto, santoku, yanagiba) and wide plane irons (kanna).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese Natural Whetstone (JNAT) \/ Medium Grit (Chu-toishi)  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tajima (但馬), Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarkings:\u003c\/strong\u003e regional provenance stamp  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8-1\/4\" × 3-1\/8\" × 2-1\/4\" (210 mm × 80 mm × 56 mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.47 lb (2,486 g)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Visual Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStamps:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold, highly legible black framed Honba Tajima To (本場但馬砥) stamp on the top face.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatrix \u0026amp; Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Characteristic light ash-grey\/pale green volcanic matrix with uniform dark mineral inclusions.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape \u0026amp; Cut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy bench-style block featuring a slightly tapered cross-section, beveled corner, and prominent original quarry saw ridges across the working faces.  Top working surface is for the most part dead-flat and lapped in virtual ready-to-go condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlaws:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notable triangular chip\/step breakout on one edge, diagonal corner relief cut\/loss, and light corner wear; offered in raw, as-found vintage condition.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44969152774275,"sku":"","price":335.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/DSC0889-edit.jpg?v=1731292911"},{"product_id":"raw-tajima-3","title":"Hon-Tajima Natural Whetstone #0365","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHon-Tajima Natural Whetstone (天然但馬砥石)  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn authentic, vintage Tajima Toishi (Hon-Tajima) sourced from the defunct quarries of Hyōgo Prefecture. Functioning as a traditional medium-grit stone (Chu-toishi, ~#800–#2,000 grit), Tajima is prized among blade sharpeners and woodworkers for yielding a fast, creamy slurry that leaves a uniform pre-polish and soft kasumi haze on clad steel bevels.  \u003cbr\u003eThis is a heavy, oversized block weighing nearly 5.5 lbs with broad working dimensions that easily accommodate full-sized kitchen knives (gyuto, santoku, yanagiba) and large woodworking plane irons (kanna).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese Natural Whetstone (JNAT) \/ Medium Grit (Chu-toishi)  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tajima (但馬), Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarkings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original provenance stamp and maker inspection seal  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e8-1\/4\" × 3-1\/8\" × 2-3\/8\" (210 mm × 80 mm × 62 mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight: \u003c\/strong\u003e5.44 lb (2,475 g)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Visual Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStamps:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear, legible black ink provenance and grading seals on the upper surface and side.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatrix \u0026amp; Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Classic pale grey-green\/ash base densely peppered with dark mineral speckling.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape \u0026amp; Cut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oversized bench block with characteristic diagonal quarry saw marks and a natural tapered profile.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlaws:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notable triangular breakout\/gouge along the mid-top edge and natural edge\/corner fractures; unlapped and sold as is.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44969153331331,"sku":"","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/DSC0899-edit.jpg?v=1731292971"},{"product_id":"aizu","title":"Aizu medium #002M","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis  is a medium sized Aizu-to (会津砥). It is a highly sought after medium-to-fine grit hone originating from Minami-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It is comparable by feel to  approx. ~1200–3000 grit synthetics , making it an outstanding bridge stone (Chu-to \/ Medium Finisher) between coarse bevel-setting and final polishing on ultra-fine Awasedo hones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Characteristics of Aizu Stones:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrit \u0026amp; Cutting Speed: Fast-cutting for a natural stone. It cleans up coarse scratch patterns quickly while refining the edge to a sharp, toothy ~3,000 grit finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardness: Lv. 3-3.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlurry \u0026amp; Tactile Feedback: Works up a It produces a soft, creamy slurry when used with a nagura. It provides a tactile, non-slick feel that gives high control over bevel angles.Leaves a beautiful, misty kasumi finish on clad knives (bringing out contrast between soft iron cladding and hard steel core).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47850210263171,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/Aizu_002M1.png?v=1787858649"},{"product_id":"shohonyama-shoubudani-iromono-tomae","title":"Shohonyama Shoubudani Iromono Tomae #055","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eShōhonyama Shōbudani Iromono (正本山 菖蒲谷 色物)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a fine grained Tomae. A Japanese natural finishing whetstone otherwise known as Awasedo.  Originating from the renowned eastern mines of Shoubudani, Japan, this stone is celebrated by discerning sharpeners for its unique combination of mid-range hardnes (Lv. 3-3.5), refined slurry production, and distinctive finish. This stone is a shiage-to\/awasedo, meaning it fits the top end of the shiage and into the awasedo stage. The grain size is comparable to approx. 8000-12000 grit synthetics. Featuring a relatively consistent hardness level thtoughout the stone, and controlled slurry feedback, it provides clean and efficient sharpening control while standing up to long-term use. The stone imparts a signature subtly textured \"frost\" finish that delivers an ideal balance of keen cutting edge and lasting bite, making it a versatile and treasured addition to any wherstone progression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47850383736963,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/1_10db6602-ced2-4f7a-b6b5-7daa9fdb9a06.png?v=1786496624"},{"product_id":"natsuya","title":"Natsuya #001","description":"\u003cp\u003eNatsuya (夏屋) stones are renowned natural medium-grit hones (chu-to), typically comparable by feel to approx 800–1000 grit synthetics. Prized for setting edges, cleaning up scratches from coarse stones, and preparing bevels before fine finishing. It sits right on the border between Arato (coarse stones) and Nakata (Medium range stones) making it a great stone to bridge the gap between coarse scratch removal and on to fine polishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eKey Characteristics of Natsuya:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrit Range \u0026amp; Function: Unlike fine finishing hones (Awasedo), Natsuya functions primarily as a medium-grit cutter (Chu-to). It acts as a bridge between coarse grinding and fine polishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlurry \u0026amp; Cut: It breaks down to form a rich, slurry quickly, making it fast-cutting and forgiving to use on wider bevels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish: Leaves a uniform, silky matte finish on iron cladding and carbon steel, perfect for setting up a clean foundation before moving to stones like Aizu-to and finer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47850402513027,"sku":null,"price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/1_ce36793c-62b3-4603-85aa-7311e775aeb8.png?v=1786497076"},{"product_id":"aizu-small","title":"Aizu, Small #002S","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis  is a smaller sized Aizu-to (会津砥). It is a highly sought after medium-to-fine grit hone originating from Minami-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It is comparable by feel to  approx. ~1200–3000 grit synthetics, making it an outstanding bridge stone (Chu-to \/ Medium Finisher) between coarse bevel-setting and final polishing on ultra-fine Awasedo hones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eKey Characteristics of Aizu Stones:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrit \u0026amp; Cutting Speed: Fast-cutting for a natural stone. It cleans up coarse scratch patterns quickly while refining the edge to a sharp, toothy ~3,000 grit finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardness: Lv. 3-3.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlurry \u0026amp; Tactile Feedback: Works up a It produces a soft, creamy slurry when used with a nagura. It provides a tactile, non-slick feel that gives high control over bevel angles.Leaves a beautiful, misty kasumi finish on clad knives (bringing out contrast between soft iron cladding and hard steel core).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47850431316099,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/1_a98675cb-220e-40e0-b31b-6d8b43ca0e5b.png?v=1786497262"},{"product_id":"natsuya-002","title":"Natsuya #002","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Mine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natsuya (夏屋), Iwate Prefecture, Japan.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKanji Inscription: \u003c\/strong\u003e夏屋砥石 (Natsuya Toishi \/ Natsuya Whetstone) stamped along the top face.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStone Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chu-to \/ Nakato (medium-grit Japanese natural whetstone).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Grit Equivalent:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~800 to 1200 grit (depending on slurry breakdown and pressure).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription \u0026amp; Visual Evaluation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAesthetics \u0026amp; Pattern: \u003c\/strong\u003eFeatures classic two-tone Natsuya coloration, transitioning diagonally from a pale cream\/buff tone to an orange-ochre banded section with visible stratifications.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape \u0026amp; Cut: \u003c\/strong\u003eClean rectangular benchstone format (approx. 203 mm x 62 mm x 45 mm) with solid thickness and parallel sides, offering exceptional working life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurface \u0026amp; Inclusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minor surface microporosity and natural drying\/bedding textures typical of Iwate sedimentary stones; no visible toxic quartz lines or structural cleavage cracks running through the core.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorking Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natsuya stones are renowned for being relatively soft to medium-hard (around Lv 2.5–3.0), fast-cutting, and self-slurrying. They produce a toothy, highly functional working edge on carbon and clad steels, while leaving a clean, uniform pre-polish kasumi base on bevels before moving to fine finishers. This stone is lacquer sealed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48026010779779,"sku":null,"price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/20.png?v=1788001593"},{"product_id":"kumamoto-amakusa-binsui-1500-akb657432","title":"Kumamoto Amakusa  Binsui (#1500) - AKB657432","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eAmakusa Islands, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan (天草砥石).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLayer \/ Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Binsui-do (天然備水砥 \/ Medium stone \/ Chūto).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrit Rating:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nominal #1500 (typically performs in the #1000–#1500 JIS equivalent range depending on slurry management).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStamps:\u003c\/strong\u003e Marked  天然備水砥 (Natural Binsui Stone) and 中砥 1500.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese 30-gata format (195mm × 62mm × 38mm; 1,138g).\u003cbr\u003eDescription\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance: \u003c\/strong\u003ePale cream\/buff background speckled with fine natural silica pores, accented by distinct reddish-brown iron oxide banding (tora \/ tiger striping) across the side and bottom face.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCut \u0026amp; Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crisp, precision-sawn rectangular bench stone block with clean factory-chamfered edges, fully flat, and stamped on the top, side, and heel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbrasive Nature: \u003c\/strong\u003eComposed of natural quartz\/silica abrasive bound in a medium-soft sedimentary matrix that readily releases fresh cutting particles during work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvaluation \u0026amp; Working Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRole in Progression:\u003c\/strong\u003e Functions as a classic middle-stage stone (Chūto). It serves as the bridge between coarse synthetic\/natural shaping stones (#800) and pre-finishing stones like Aoto, Kaisei, or fine nagura stages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed \u0026amp; Feedback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers consistent tactile feedback with fast slurry generation. It cuts carbon and mild cladding cleanly without loading up or glazing over.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScratch Pattern \u0026amp; Finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaves a uniform, hazy, diffuse scratch profile that blends grind marks quickly and sets up the primary bevel for even kasumi contrast on clad and San Mai steels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Longevity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pristine, unspent condition. At 38mm thickness and over 1.1kg, it provides substantial working life for bench use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dust Bowl Knives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48089497600131,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/7320\/1283\/files\/26.png?v=1788006239"}],"url":"https:\/\/dustbowlknives.com\/collections\/nakato-medium.oembed","provider":"Dust Bowl Knives","version":"1.0","type":"link"}