Okudo - Saikokyu Karasu - Awasedo (Highest grade) - 2164g
A flagship-tier Okudo Awasedo — stamp-confirmed saikōkyū (highest grade) with karasu, the rare and highly sought-after dark markings from the Aisa layer.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tanaka Toishi (田中砥石) — dealer stamp |
| Mine | Okudo (奥殿) — stamp-confirmed on the stone |
| Type | Japanese Natural Whetstone |
| Strata | Awasedo (finishing stone) — 最高級品 (saikōkyū-hin, highest grade), stamp-confirmed |
| Weight | 2,164g |
| Measurements | 20.5 x 5.5 x 7.5cm |
| Inventory | PW-B-010 (Bin B) |
| Provenance | Ken Schwartz storage unit -- See "Provenance" below for details |
Notes
- Stone and box both carry the stamps 奥殿合砥 (Okudo Awasedo), 最高級品 (saikōkyū-hin, highest grade), and カラス (karasu) — all dealer-applied and stamp-confirmed, not inferred.
- This stone carries karasu — dark, crow-like markings from the Aisa layer, a rare and highly desirable visual trait in hard Asagi stones. Karasu is aesthetic and does not affect cutting performance.
- Lacquer coating is in very good condition.
Condition
- Stone: Working face is in great condition with karasu markings visible. Lacquer coating is in very good condition.
- Please review the pictures of this stone prior to purchase. Make sure to closely check the raking light photograph to examine the features of the working face. When in doubt, contact Pacific Waterstone.
Shipping
Orders are typically processed and shipped same day from Santa Maria, CA.
Every stone ships in a new, high-quality box, individually wrapped in bubble wrap and packing paper for maximum protection in transit.
Please reach out with any questions before or after purchase — happy to help.
Return policy
At Pacific Waterstone, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every stone we sell.
Incorrect or Mislabeled Items
If you receive an item that is mislabeled, damaged, or significantly mischaracterized in its listing, we will make it right. You may return the item for a full refund or exchange with no restocking fees, and we will cover all return shipping costs.
Standard Returns
If you change your mind or wish to return an item for any other reason:
- Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original, unused condition with all original packaging.
- A 10% restocking fee applies to cover processing costs.
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
To initiate a return, please contact us with your order number and the reason for your request.
Provenance
Everything we carry comes from the personal collection of Ken Schwartz — the sharpener behind Precise Sharpening, who built the Nubatama line and gathered the naturals that sat beside it on his bench. The synthetics are new and unused. The naturals were his.