Tanaka Toishi Umajiyama Natural Stone (#032)

Umajiyama, a mine located next to Ohira. Lesser known but producing excellent stones. We get these in different sizes from Tanaka Toishi in Kyoto. Indicated by ‘type’, the lower the number, the bigger the stone.

In general these Umajiyama can be characterised as easy to use, good for polishing and for edge. Some might be a little softer then others, mostly ranging between 2-3. They are surprisingly fast cutters with a grit range from 3-5k and a good amount om self slurry ability.

The finish I would describe as Kasmui-like, no heaps of contrast but a more misty shiny finish. Very satisfying on its own or as pre-finish for higher grits. Edge finish is refined but with a decent amount of toothyness
Great first natural stones for beginners of advanced.

Natural sharpening stones, known as JNATs or Tennen Toishi, are quarried from mountains across Japan. These stones are a product of Japan’s unique sedimentary and geological history, which makes them rich in silica and silicon oxide—key elements that enable effective sharpening of steel. When combined with the clay that acts as a binder, the resulting material can vary in cutting speed, depending on the proportions of each component. Japan is one of the few places in the world where such a diverse range of these stones can be found.

The availability of these natural stones has played a crucial role in Japan’s history of swordmaking and the production of high-quality tools. Beyond their practical uses, they also hold significant historical and cultural value. The world of natural sharpening stones is as complex as it is fascinating.

Tennen Toishi stones offer performance that’s unmatched by most man-made sharpening stones. They are known for their longevity, superior edge quality, and the ability to produce exceptional polishes. These stones typically provide better cutting performance and long lasting edges.
Natural stones are evaluated based on size, hardness, fineness, evenness, and cutting speed. Stones that are large, fine, fast, and produce clean finishes are often the most desirable.

While general characteristics can be identified based on the mountain or mine of origin, each stone is unique. Stones from known sources may have predictable qualities, but individual testing is essential to assess their specific performance.