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 400-grit Irodori sits at the upper end of the coarse range and works well with sharpening stones in the 320 to 500 range - stones like the Shapton Pro 320, Naniwa Super Stone 400, or Atoma 400. A matched 400-grit nagura generates slurry quickly on these surfaces without introducing mismatched particles. It is also useful for breaking in a new stone or refreshing the surface of a stone that has begun to feel slow.
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 400-grit Irodori sits at the upper end of the coarse range and works well with sharpening stones in the 320 to 500 range - stones like the Shapton Pro 320, Naniwa Super Stone 400, or Atoma 400. A matched 400-grit nagura generates slurry quickly on these surfaces without introducing mismatched particles. It is also useful for breaking in a new stone or refreshing the surface of a stone that has begun to feel slow.
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: 400
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
