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 2K Irodori bridges the gap between coarse work and the transition to finishing. It is well matched to 2000-grit stones like the Shapton Pro 2K, Naniwa Super Stone 2K, and similar medium-fine stones where maintaining a consistent cutting surface through a longer session matters. At this grit level slurry quality starts to affect edge refinement noticeably - matching the nagura grit to the stone keeps the slurry consistent rather than introducing coarser or finer particles that would change the 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 2K Irodori bridges the gap between coarse work and the transition to finishing. It is well matched to 2000-grit stones like the Shapton Pro 2K, Naniwa Super Stone 2K, and similar medium-fine stones where maintaining a consistent cutting surface through a longer session matters. At this grit level slurry quality starts to affect edge refinement noticeably - matching the nagura grit to the stone keeps the slurry consistent rather than introducing coarser or finer particles that would change the 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: 2,000
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
