#18 This aoto toishi is from the Mori family-owned mine in the northern mountain range just outside Kyoto. Their stones were not designated as awasedo but the stones were popular for kitchen knives. Their mine was closed in the 1950s.
This is a fast cutting stone that is perfect as an intermediate or bevel setting stone for kitchen knives.
#18 Aoto toishi
All of my stones are sold with a money-back guarantee minus the return shipping if within 30 days of the sale and returned in their original state. Please do not lacquer the stone if you have any intention of returning it.
I encourage sealing the sides of all sedimentary stones, especially if there a inclusions, cracks, or fissures and or if the stone is used in an active workshop where the stone is constantly wet. For casual use, sealing, especially all four sides, and preferably the back with one of either a marine type of spar varnish, a synthetic lacquer, urushi, or a cashew-derived lacquer is prudent.