Imanishi is a renowned Japanese company specializing in high-quality sharpening stones, with a focus on natural stones. Their commitment to craftsmanship is evident in their approach to finding the perfect stone for each knife type. One of Imanishi's notable series is the Bester line of whetstones, manufactured in Kyoto. These medium-hard stones replicate the feel of natural stones while offering efficient metal removal.

Another notable stone is the Imanishi Amakusa, a medium-fine to fine stone comparable to a water stone in the 800-1000 grit range. This milky white stone provides excellent feedback during use and offers a "just right" feel when sharpening. The Imanishi Amakusa stones come from the Kumamoto region of Japan and are processed in France, offering flexibility in sharpening techniques.