Amakusa Kumamoto Binsui (#1500) Tomo Nagura

Classification
Origin: Amakusa Islands, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.
Type: Binsui-to (備水砥) / Amakusa.
Role: Tomo Nagura / Slurry Stone (Medium/Pre-finishing stage).
Grit Equivalence: comparable to ~#1,000–#1,500 synthetic. (Medium grit / Chu-to).

Description & Physical Details

Dimensions: Approximately 40mm x 35mm x 32mm
Weight: 105g (cuboid format).
Visual Characteristics: Distinctive banded stratification displaying pale cream/off-white quartz-rich matrix interlayered with warm terracotta and iron-oxide "tiger stripe" (Tora-to) sediment patterns.

Stamps & Markings:
Top Face: inspection stamp 響 (Hibiki / Echo).
Side Face: Square grade stamp 中砥 #1500 (Chū-to / Medium stone #1500).

Evaluation & Performance Profile

Hardness & Density: Medium-hard (approx. Lv 3 to 3.5). Holds form well under light-to-moderate rubbing pressure.
Abrasive Action: Friable sedimentary quartz/silica grains break down smoothly under friction, producing a uniform, milky slurry. It functions exceptionally well to condition hard base stones, accelerate sharpening on medium/pre-finish naturals, or clean steel swarf and loaded surfaces.
Scratch Pattern & Finish: Leaves a soft, even, scratch-free matte kasumi haze across softer cladding (iron/damascus) while establishing a clean, toothy micro-bevel on high-carbon core steels.