Kato Mine Nakayama Koppa Natural Stone, Small Size Group 2 (A-J）

One of Japan's Most Celebrated Natural Finishing Stones

Nakayama is widely regarded as one of the finest sources of Japanese natural whetstones. Located in the Umegahata region of Kyoto, the mountain produced exceptional finishing stones prized by generations of sword polishers, woodworkers, razor users, and knife enthusiasts.

Known for their smooth sharpening feel, refined abrasive particles, and beautiful edge finish, Nakayama stones have become some of the most sought-after Japanese natural whetstones.

The Legacy of Kato Mine

Among the names closely associated with Nakayama, Kato Mine (Kato Kozan) is one of the most recognised.

The Kato family historically operated sections of the Nakayama quarry and supplied natural finishing stones to craftsmen and specialist stone dealers. Today, the Kato name remains strongly associated with historic Nakayama whetstones and Kyoto's natural sharpening stone tradition.

Every Natural Stone Is Unique

Unlike synthetic sharpening stones, no two natural whetstones are exactly alike. Even stones originating from the same quarry or geological layer can vary noticeably in use.

• Sharpening speed
• Abrasive feel and feedback
• Mud generation
• Scratch pattern
• Polishing characteristics
• Hardness

These variations are an important part of the appeal of Japanese natural whetstones, with each stone offering its own individual sharpening characteristics.

Koppa Size – A More Accessible Nakayama

This listing is for a Koppa-size Nakayama natural finishing stone. Koppa are smaller or irregularly shaped stones cut from usable sections of natural whetstone material.

Their compact size offers an accessible way to experience genuine Nakayama stone without the significantly higher cost of a full-sized bench stone.

Suitable for:

• Kitchen knives
• Pocket knives
• Woodworking tools
• Straight razors
• Detail sharpening and polishing
• Exploring different natural stone characteristics
• Collectors of Japanese natural whetstones

Product Information

Each stone is unique. Colour, pattern, hardness, inclusions, shape, and dimensions naturally vary according to the individual piece.

The photographs shown are of the actual stone you will receive.

A Piece of Kyoto Sharpening History

A Nakayama whetstone represents more than sharpening performance. It is a piece of Kyoto's long-established natural stone tradition and a material that cannot be reproduced by modern manufacturing. For collectors, sharpeners, and enthusiasts alike, these Kato Mine Nakayama koppas offer an opportunity to experience one of Japan's most respected natural whetstone sources in a compact and accessible format.