Exceptional sharpness elevates your everyday cooking to a whole new level of flavor

Japanese blades are renowned worldwide for their exceptional sharpness, and behind this excellence lies the whetstone. Even today, knives sharpened by hand with a whetstone achieve a level of precision unmatched by machine sharpening. A knife carefully honed on a whetstone slices through ingredients without crushing their fibers, leaving clean, glossy cuts that enhance both presentation and flavor.

We created this with the hope of making the art of sharpening knives and blades more approachable for everyone and spreading the rich culture of whetstone craftsmanship even further.

These are the words of Akimitsu Oguro, the fourth-generation owner of Morihei, a knife and whetstone manufacturer and wholesaler based in Asakusabashi, Tokyo. Since its founding in 1933, Morihei has been a trusted establishment among professionals, renowned for its expertise in blades and whetstones.

Akimitsu Oguro, the fourth-generation owner of Morihei

Sharpening Station (A carefully curated selection of premium whetstones).

The creation of an original whetstone

Whetstones are generally classified into two types: natural whetstones, mined from mountains, and synthetic whetstones, crafted by human hands. For centuries, natural whetstones have been regarded as the ultimate choice for sharpening, prized for their ability to deliver an exceptionally sharp edge and a radiant finish, qualities essential for perfecting the beauty and performance of blades, including Japanese swords.

However, because natural whetstones are formed by nature, they exhibit significant individual variations, making it challenging for beginners to select the right stone for their knives. On the other hand, synthetic whetstones, while having the drawback of their sharp particles potentially scratching the blade, offer consistent quality, ease of use, and a more affordable price point, making them an accessible option for many users.

Each type of whetstone has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, with the closure of many mines, natural whetstones are becoming increasingly rare, and today, over 90% of whetstones in circulation are synthetic. "If this trend continues, whetstones themselves might disappear one day," we thought. That's when the idea emerged: to create a synthetic whetstone that closely resembles the qualities of a natural one.

After approximately five years of trial and error, we developed our original whetstone series, the "Morihei Hi" collection.

Focusing on the contact, feel, and sound when sharpening blades, the synthetic whetstone was meticulously crafted to achieve an ideal balance of sharpening power and ease of use. When put to the test, it delivers a smooth sharpening experience, evoking the gentle texture of natural whetstone particles, offering an incredibly satisfying and refined feel.

Unlike most synthetic whetstones, which require soaking in water before use, this whetstone is ready to use with just a splash of water on the surface. This convenience allows you to start sharpening immediately whenever needed, reflecting a thoughtful focus on ease of use and practicality.

For those who have been curious about sharpening but felt it might be too difficult, this original whetstone offers a simple and satisfying sharpening experience. Now, anyone can effortlessly sharpen their knives with confidence and enjoy the rewarding feel of a finely honed blade.

Types of Whetstones and How to Choose the Right One

The "Hi" Series offers a comprehensive lineup of six whetstones, ranging from coarse grit for repairs to fine grit for finishing, ensuring every sharpening need is met with precision and care.

The traditional sharpening process begins with a coarse whetstone to reshape and refine the blade's edge, followed by a medium whetstone to enhance sharpness, and finally, a finishing whetstone for a polished edge.

For home use, however, the #1000 medium whetstone is highly recommended. This single stone is versatile enough to maintain a knife’s edge effectively, and with regular use, it can significantly improve the taste and presentation of your cooking.

#500 Coarse Whetstone 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

It shapes the blade's edge and corrects imperfections. Ideal for repairing minor chips and restoring the blade's overall geometry.

#1000 Medium Whetstone 

Use this when your knife starts to lose its sharpness. Regular use, about once a month, will help maintain optimal cutting performance and keep your knife in excellent condition.

#4000 Medium-Finishing Whetstone

Use this when you want to further enhance the sharpness of your knife. It will refine the edge to a smoother, more polished finish. Note: For best results, use this medium-finishing whetstone after sharpening with the #1000 medium whetstone.

#6000 Finishing Whetstone

Highly recommended for those seeking exceptional sharpness. This whetstone ensures an edge that remains sharp for an extended period. Note: For optimal results, use this finishing whetstone after sharpening with the #4000 medium-finishing whetstone.

#8000 Finishing Whetstone

The blade edge is refined to an incredibly smooth finish, resulting in glossy, clean cuts on food ingredients. The sharpness lasts exceptionally long, maintaining peak performance over extended use. Note: For optimal results, use this ultra-finishing whetstone after sharpening with the #6000 finishing whetstone.

#12000 Ultra-Finishing Whetstone

With a cutting performance close to that of a natural finishing whetstone, this stone ensures exceptionally long-lasting sharpness. When sharpening Japanese knives, it achieves a beautiful contrast between the soft iron body (jigane) and the hard steel edge (hagane), much like the finish achieved with a natural whetstone. Note: For optimal results, use this ultra-finishing whetstone after sharpening with the #8000 finishing whetstone.

○Specifications

• Material: Natural Stone・Silica Stone, and Others
• Size : Approx. 210×75×25mm（8.2”×2.9”×0.9”)
• Weight: Approximately 830g（29.2oz)

○Shipping

• Shipping within １ weeks.
• Shipping fee is included in the product price.

○Care Precautions

• Storage in high-temperature and high-humidity environments may cause deformation or deterioration of the product.
• Please avoid intentionally bending or applying excessive force that may cause breakage.
• As this product is made from natural wood, variations in wood grain, color, and surface texture, including minor imperfections, are to be expected.