Whetstones

<Natural Whetstones>

Depending on the size of the particles, the whetstone is divided into three types: "Arato"(rough), "Nakato" (middle), and "Shiageto" (finish).  There are also natural whetstones and artificial whetstones. 

The artificial whetstone began production in the United States in the 19th century.  It is currently widely circulated because it is homogeneous and easy to purchase.

Natural whetstones are still popular because the "Atari" (the comfort of the whetstone and workpiece when sharpening) on bladed objects is soft.

The raw materials of natural whetstones are mainly sedimentary rock and tuff. "Arato" is made of sandstone, and "Siaghetto" is made of fine-grained mudstone and slate. Sedimentary rocks deposited with the quartz skeleton of Radiolaria are recognized as good quality.

 The raw materials for the artificial whetstone are mainly aluminum oxide and silicon carbide, and they are divided into several characteristics according to the preparation additives.   Besides that, diamonds, CBN, and garnet are also used as raw materials.

Whetstones are mainly used to improve the cutting function when the sharpness of a metal blade is reduced. There are also many kinds depending on the application. 

Although it is a tool that has been used since the beginning of humankind, it has been widely used in modern times because it can achieve machining accuracy that cannot be obtained by cutting tools.

Whetstones are classified by factors such as the type of components, particle size (roughness of the ingredient), degree of binding (the force that binds the components), texture (density of the ingredient), and binder (materials that solidify powder raw materials).

All metals or nonmetals can be precisely sharpened.

Comparison of Natural Whetstones to Artificial Whetstones