Kato Mine and the Mystery of Marka: The History of Nakayama Grinding Wheel as Deciphered from Distribution Nakayama whetstone is known as the “king” among Japanese natural whetstones. Its overwhelming sharpening performance and beauty of finish have made it the object of admiration of knife enthusiasts and sharpeners around the world. Behind the stone, however, there is a story of “history” and “distribution” that is more than...
A miracle 10 meters underground: Why is the Kurumaguchi wheel called a “phantom”? 1. what is a kurumakuchi grinding wheel? Origin of the name Among natural whetstones, there is one that is called “miraculous” – the “Nakayama Kurumaguchi Togishi. Among whetstone fans and craftsmen, this stone is called “a dream piece” that one would like to use just once. Why is it so...
Miracle at 200 meters above sea level: How Nakayama Hill became a sacred place for grinding stones 1. where is Nakayama? What kind of terrain? Nakayama whetstone—it is a legendary existence that is not unknown in the world of natural whetstones. Among them, “Nakayama’s Tozen, Asagi, and Zuita” and “Kurumaguchi” are regarded as the pinnacle of final sharpening, and are outstanding in both rarity and performance. So,...
