A nagura is a small conditioning stone used to raise a slurry on the surface of a larger sharpening stone. Rubbing it across the stone releases fine abrasive particles that mix with water to improve cutting speed, refresh the stone surface, and produce a smoother, more consistent finish on the edge. The Irodori line from Naniwa is the most practically useful nagura range available: each stone is manufactured to a specific stated grit, which means you can match the nagura to the stone you are working on and produce a slurry of known particle size. Coarser grits break the surface faster and generate slurry quickly; finer grits are used for polishing and refinement on finishing stones. Each Irodori stone measures 60mm x 30mm x 20mm - compact enough to store with the stone it accompanies. Made in Japan.
The 12K Irodori is the finest in the range and is matched to 12000-grit finishing stones - the Naniwa Super Stone 12K, Shapton GlassStone 12K - or used on natural finishing stones where a very fine slurry is needed to bridge the gap between synthetic and natural stone refinement. At this level the nagura is conditioning the stone surface and refining the slurry quality more than generating cutting action. A few gentle passes at the start of a finishing session on a 12K stone immediately restores the polishing feel.
Care Instructions: Splash both the nagura and the sharpening stone with water before use. Rub the nagura gently across the stone surface to raise slurry, then sharpen as normal. Rinse after use and allow to air dry completely. Do not soak. Store in a dry location away from freezing temperatures.
The 12K Irodori is the finest in the range and is matched to 12000-grit finishing stones - the Naniwa Super Stone 12K, Shapton GlassStone 12K - or used on natural finishing stones where a very fine slurry is needed to bridge the gap between synthetic and natural stone refinement. At this level the nagura is conditioning the stone surface and refining the slurry quality more than generating cutting action. A few gentle passes at the start of a finishing session on a 12K stone immediately restores the polishing feel.
Care Instructions: Splash both the nagura and the sharpening stone with water before use. Rub the nagura gently across the stone surface to raise slurry, then sharpen as normal. Rinse after use and allow to air dry completely. Do not soak. Store in a dry location away from freezing temperatures.
- Brand: Naniwa
- Line: Irodori
- Grit: 12,000
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
