Stone Axe Wagyu

Stone Axe is one of Australia’s most respected Full Blood Wagyu programs. Founded by Chris Walker in the early 1990s using genetics imported from Japan via the United States, the herd numbers in the thousands across high-country properties in New South Wales and Victoria, all situated above 1,000 meters elevation. Every animal is 100% Japanese Black Wagyu — no crossbreeding.

BMS stands for Beef Marbling Score, measured on a scale of 1–12. A score of 9+ indicates exceptional intramuscular fat — the fine, web-like marbling that melts during cooking and gives Wagyu its signature richness. For context, USDA Prime typically scores BMS 4–5. Stone Axe BMS 9+ is camera-graded using MIJ technology that evaluates both marbling abundance and fineness.

Full Blood Wagyu is 100% Japanese Black genetics with no crossbreeding. Crossbred Wagyu (F1 through F4) ranges from 50% to 93.75% Wagyu genetics, blended with breeds like Angus or Holstein. Only Full Blood animals can consistently produce the fine, evenly distributed marbling that defines a BMS 9+ score. Stone Axe maintains a closed Full Blood herd.

After harvest, every Stone Axe carcase is ribbed between the 12th and 13th rib and assessed using MIJ Camera technology — a digital system that objectively measures marbling abundance, marbling fineness, and ribeye area. This goes beyond traditional visual grading: the camera assigns a marble score plus a marble fineness index, and those data points flow back into breeding and feeding decisions each generation.

With beef this richly marbled, less is more. Season simply with salt and pepper. Use a screaming-hot cast iron pan or grill. Sear 1–2 minutes per side for a thick steak — you’re aiming for medium-rare to medium at most, which lets the intramuscular fat render without over-melting. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain. No sauce needed.

Stone Axe cattle are raised across several properties in the high country of New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. Each property sits above 1,000 meters elevation, providing a climate that enhances conditions for breeding and raising Full Blood Japanese Black Wagyu. The animals are long-fed on a proprietary nutrition program designed to promote fine marbling development.

We carry six premium BMS 9+ cuts from Stone Axe: New York Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin Steak, Top Sirloin/Baseball Cut, Denver Steak, and Flat Iron. Each is individually camera-graded and selected for exceptional marbling abundance and fineness.