Our mission
About Us – Our Story and Our Mission
Who We Are
We are a company passionately dedicated to the Belgian Blue Whetstone – a natural product used for centuries to sharpen knives and tools.
Our work combines tradition, craftsmanship, and personalized service.
Since 1999, we have been present at trade fairs, markets, and international events, introducing people to the quality and history of this special natural stone from the Belgian Ardennes.
How It All Began
In 1998, I attended the hunting fair in Munich to acquire companies for internet services. At this fair, I discovered the Belgian Blue Whetstone (Coticule). Meeting and conversations with Johann Tremml (Ashley) and Maurice Celis (Ardennes Coticule) sparked my interest in this unique natural whetstone.
From an initial idea, a collaboration in marketing and sales developed. On my first visit to the Coticule quarry and museum in Salmchateau, Belgium, I learned about the history, the people, and the hard work behind this stone.
I discovered that the last underground quarry in Regné, Wallonia, closed in 1982, and that Maurice Celis (Ardennes Coticule) has been mining the stone in open-pit operations since 1988. This connection between tradition, craftsmanship, and nature shaped me and clarified my mission: I wanted to distribute this iconic product and share its story.
Our Mission
We see ourselves as ambassadors for a unique natural product with cult status.
At trade fairs, I compete against modern sharpening systems, synthetic stones, diamond plates, and electric devices. But the Belgian Blue Whetstone stands out due to its naturalness, its durability, and its exceptional sharpening action.
The stone has been mined since 1625 and contains naturally occurring garnet, which ensures its fine and controlled sharpening effect. A Belgian Blue Whetstone often lasts for generations. This quality and sustainability are at the heart of our work.
Why we do what we do
I am fascinated by the stories of the people who quarried the stone for centuries as a side business under difficult conditions.
I appreciate the magic of this natural material, the beauty of its yellow and blue-gray veins, and the joy customers experience when they see the stone's effect for themselves. Direct contact with people is a central part of our work. Despite modern information resources, personal consultation remains the best way to share knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm.
What matters to us!
Honest advice
Traditional craftsmanship
Sustainable natural products
Direct communication with customers
Sharing knowledge and experience
Our goal is not only to satisfy every customer but to make them part of a community that appreciates the value and quality of the Belgian Blue Whetstone.
