Umajiyama Namito Asagi Whetstone [6" x 1"]

Japanese name (Kanji): 馬路 並砥 浅黄 Name breakdown: 馬路 (Umaji) — the Umaji mine (abbreviated form of Umajiyama, without the "yama/mountain" suffix) 並砥 (Namito) — strata designation: the seventh working layer of the Hon-Kuchi Naori, located below Aisa and above Hon-Suita. Stones from this layer are known to be hard, very fine-grained, and highly consistent. Less prone to inclusions than other layers. 浅黄 (Asagi) — visual/color attribute: a pale grey-blue to steel-blue coloration. The actual color of Asagi stones can range from light silver-grey to deeper steel blue or even greenish. Color alone does not indicate hardness. Mining region: Western mine (Nishi Mono), Kameoka district, Kyoto Prefecture. Umajiyama is located near Ohira and Mizukihara and produces stones of similar character, though typically softer than those from the eastern Kyoto mines. Production area: 京都府南桑田郡亀岡町馬路 (Kyoto Prefecture, Minamikuwada district, Kameoka town, Umaji). Mine is closed; stock held by wholesalers. Grit rating (JIS equivalent): The Namito layer is known for very fine and hard stone due to high compression. For Hon-Kuchi Naori Namito stones at hard hardness, the approximate range is 8,000–12,000 JIS. For Umaji Namito Asagi specifically, given Umajiyama's generally softer character compared to eastern mines, the expected range is approximately 8,000–10,000 JIS. Individual examples may vary. LV Hardness: Not confirmed for this specific combination in available sources. Based on Namito strata characteristics (hard, compressed, fine) balanced against Umajiyama's known tendency toward softer stone: estimated LV 3–4. A Namito from an eastern mine such as Aiiwatani would typically be LV 4.5–5; Umaji Namito is expected to fall lower on the scale. Recommended progression: After a synthetic 5,000–8,000 JIS stone, or after a soft JNAT Tomae (LV 1–2). Best suited as a finishing stone for knives or as a razor pre-finishing stone. For razor use, follow with a Mikawa Shiro Nagura progression (Botan → Mejiro → Koma) on a harder finishing stone, or use this stone as the final step if hardness is appropriate. Composition: Highly compressed siliceous shale from the Hon-Kuchi Naori geological formation. Namito is the seventh usable layer, known for very high compression resulting in fine grain structure and consistent performance. Stones from this strata are among the least likely to contain toxic inclusions. Steels to sharpen: Universal. Well suited to high-carbon Japanese steels and traditional edge tools. The fineness and consistency of Namito make it particularly effective for knives requiring a refined edge with minimal aggressive scratch pattern.