Morihei Hishiboshi Karasu 9000 sharpening stone

Morihei Hishiboshi Karasu 9000 is a finishing stone with a very high grit, developed in a proprietary formula by Morihei in Tokyo. This product has gained cult status among users, especially in the context of sharpening razors and knives, where not only pure sharpness counts, but also full control over the finished surface. Initially available only on the Japanese market, it has gained a reputation as one of the best stones for final finishing.

Karasu 9000 is a splash & go type stone – ready to use without soaking. It is made of a mixture of synthetic and natural materials, which translates into unique functional properties: fast cutting, production of a fine slurry, and a very good feel for the blade. Despite its high grit, the stone is not overly soft, which improves stability and control over the material.

During sharpening, the working surface generates a slurry that aids the polishing process, and the final finish is a subtle kasumi effect with high contrast – particularly visible on san-mai blades. The edge after sharpening is clearly smoothed, but retains a noticeable microstructure, which keeps the cut precise and not overly “slippery.”

Compared to Shapton, Naniwa, or even other Morihei Hi models, Karasu 9000 stands out both in terms of its material formula and its distinctly more “natural” character, making it a suitable tool for users with advanced requirements.

Key features:

• #9000 grit – for very fine finishing and honing
• Special blend of synthetic and natural powder
• Leaves a contrasting kasumi finish
• Splash & go – no soaking required
• Slurry production, without excessive softness

Specifications:

• Brand: Morihei 浅草橋 森平
• Type: Splash & Go sharpening stone
• Grit: #9000
• Dimensions: 210 x 75 x 25 mm
• Weight: approx. 805 g
• Used for: kitchen knives, razors
• Origin (Made in): Tokyo, Japan