Natsuya #002

Classification

Origin / Mine: Natsuya (夏屋), Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
Kanji Inscription: 夏屋砥石 (Natsuya Toishi / Natsuya Whetstone) stamped along the top face.
Stone Category: Chu-to / Nakato (medium-grit Japanese natural whetstone).
Estimated Grit Equivalent: ~800 to 1200 grit (depending on slurry breakdown and pressure).

Description & Visual Evaluation
Aesthetics & Pattern: Features classic two-tone Natsuya coloration, transitioning diagonally from a pale cream/buff tone to an orange-ochre banded section with visible stratifications.
Shape & Cut: Clean rectangular benchstone format (approx. 203 mm x 62 mm x 45 mm) with solid thickness and parallel sides, offering exceptional working life.
Surface & Inclusions: 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.
Working Characteristics: 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.