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 220-grit Irodori is the coarsest in the range and is used with low-grit sharpening stones in the 220 to 400 range. At this grit level the nagura generates slurry quickly and aggressively, which is useful for refreshing a stone that has glazed or loading up a coarse stone before heavy stock removal work. Using a matched-grit nagura on a coarse stone ensures the slurry does not introduce abrasive particles finer than the stone itself, which would slow cutting and muddy the feedback.
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 220-grit Irodori is the coarsest in the range and is used with low-grit sharpening stones in the 220 to 400 range. At this grit level the nagura generates slurry quickly and aggressively, which is useful for refreshing a stone that has glazed or loading up a coarse stone before heavy stock removal work. Using a matched-grit nagura on a coarse stone ensures the slurry does not introduce abrasive particles finer than the stone itself, which would slow cutting and muddy the feedback.
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: 220
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
