Otani Toishi Kitayama #8000 Grit Japanese Whetstone

The Otani Toishi "Kitayama" Japanese Whetstone has gained popularity among many sharpeners due to its outstanding performance. Although labeled as an #8000 Grit stone, it tends to perform similarly to a 10-12k finish, delivering exceptional polishing results.

With its dimensions of 205 x 75 x 25mm, the Kitayama stone is comparable in size to the Naniwa Chosera, providing ample surface area for effective sharpening.

Similar to the Chosera line of stones, the Kitayama stone only requires a brief soaking until it becomes hydrated and ready for use. It is recommended to use a Nagura stone to develop a fine slurry, ensuring high-quality polishing on your blades.

The Kitayama stone stands out for its affordable price and consistent feel. It maintains its performance without dulling like some other stones, offering long-lasting sharpening capabilities.

We recommend soaking the Kitayama stone for only 2-3 minutes for initial sharpening. After soaking, you can splash water on the surface to keep it wet. The Nagura stone included with the set will assist in developing a slurry for finer cutting. Please note that the Nagura stone is not intended for flattening the whetstone, as this is a common misconception. Once finished sharpening, clean the stone and allow it to air dry naturally in a shaded position. Rapid drying can cause cracking, and leaving the stone in water can degrade its quality.