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 8K Irodori is used on fine finishing stones - the Kitayama 8K, Naniwa Traditional 8K, King 8K - where raising a matched slurry is critical to getting consistent results. At fine grits the slurry particle size matters more than at coarse: too coarse a nagura introduces scratches that undermine the finishing work, while a matched nagura keeps the stone cutting at the same refinement level throughout the session. A few passes with the 8K Irodori at the start of a session on a glazed finishing stone immediately restores cutting 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 8K Irodori is used on fine finishing stones - the Kitayama 8K, Naniwa Traditional 8K, King 8K - where raising a matched slurry is critical to getting consistent results. At fine grits the slurry particle size matters more than at coarse: too coarse a nagura introduces scratches that undermine the finishing work, while a matched nagura keeps the stone cutting at the same refinement level throughout the session. A few passes with the 8K Irodori at the start of a session on a glazed finishing stone immediately restores cutting 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: 8,000
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
