Knife Sharpening Stone Appraisal

Shapton Ceramic Whetstone K0702 Orange-Medium

This item is a Shapton K0702 Ceramic Whetstone, specifically the 'Orange-Medium' grit, designed for sharpening knives and other blades. The whetstone itself is rectangular, made of a light tan or beige ceramic material, and appears to be housed within a hinged, translucent orange plastic case. The whetstone's surface exhibits some minor discoloration, possibly from use or ambient dust, but no significant gouges or chips are immediately visible, suggesting it is in good, usable condition. Printed on the whetstone's surface in black ink are the Japanese characters '刃の黒幕' (Ha no Kuromaku), which translates to 'The Black Curtain for Blades,' followed by 'SHAPTON' with a registered trademark symbol, and 'CERAMIC WHETSTONE' below it. Further down, the model number 'K0702' and the grit designation 'ORANGE-MEDIUM' are printed, along with 'MADE IN JAPAN'. The plastic case itself is a vibrant orange, with a subtle texture on the exterior and molded compartments on the interior designed to securely hold the whetstone. The interior of the lid also appears to have 'SHAPTON' molded into the plastic as a watermark or branding. This whetstone represents a modern tool for knife maintenance, known for its high-quality ceramic abrasive material which offers consistent sharpening results. The presence of its original case indicates good care and potential for portability and protection during storage.