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 3K Irodori is paired with 3000-grit stones - the Cerax 3K, Naniwa Chosera 3K, or the medium side of combo stones - where it raises a slurry to keep the stone cutting evenly and prevent the surface from sealing up. At this grit level you are starting to refine the edge rather than purely remove metal, and a matched-grit slurry helps the stone maintain consistent feedback through that transition. It also works well as a surface conditioner at the start of a session on a stone that has been stored for a while.
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 3K Irodori is paired with 3000-grit stones - the Cerax 3K, Naniwa Chosera 3K, or the medium side of combo stones - where it raises a slurry to keep the stone cutting evenly and prevent the surface from sealing up. At this grit level you are starting to refine the edge rather than purely remove metal, and a matched-grit slurry helps the stone maintain consistent feedback through that transition. It also works well as a surface conditioner at the start of a session on a stone that has been stored for a while.
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: 3,000
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
