#T301 Miwotsukushi Hime Iyo Meito 'Sakura' M Fine ~4K Nat Stone Tennen Toishi Ehime 880 grams

235x28x78 (at widest) 880 grams 

'Sakura' (named for the white or white/pink blotches resembling flowering cherry tree branches) stones are some of the hardest and finest Iyo Meito stones. These have become a favorite for toothy fine finishes at our shop and this is the stone used to finish our Greenfield Gyutos. The Sakura edge is both bitey and long lasting while still having a precise smooth feel. 

Miwotsukushi Hime mine Iyo Meito from in the Ehime prefecture on Shikoku island Iyo stones have been quarried for 1300 years and may well be the oldest stones used for sharpening on record in Japan. Volcanic Iyo stones are typically harder than most Japanese sedimentary stones (Iyo stones are fused volcanic ash) and range in coarseness from approximately 1000 to 4000+ grit. Like other natural stones a specific grit number cannot be given to the stones like synthetic stones; a grit value is analogous and based on a sharpeners estimation. 

Like many other natural Japanese stones Iyo stones are capable of making different finishes with or without a slurry. By managing slurry vs no slurry on the surface several different levels of metal removal and finishes can be made. Typically with only water a deeper more angular scratch can be made with a brighter scratchier appearance. With a layer of slurry generated from either a smaller second Iyo Meito nagura or a diamond stone a shallower finer scratch can be made with a more hazy appearance with excellent contrast between hagane and jigane. 

The old mine producing 'Iyo-toishi' on Toishi Yama mountain stopped production 60 years ago when 13 miners died in a cave-in. Miwotsukushi Hime mine opened 20 years ago on neighboring Mizunashi Yama mountain which is the proud source of 'Iyo Meito' stones continuing this long history of Ehime tennen toishi. Only several craftsmen mine and dress these stones, we are very happy to work with them to select stones for us. 

It is important to note that there are many stones marked either Iyo Meito or Iyo Toishi that are illegally harvested from these mountains that are not selected or cut by the craftspeople who work with and understand the nuances of the Iyo stones and are nowhere near the quality of Miwotsukushi Hime stones. 

*Do not soak these longer than a few minutes or let dry in hot sun or wind*