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 5K Irodori is notably hard and slow-wearing relative to its price point - reviewers note it behaves like a finer stone than its stated grit, producing a slurry that is dense and slow to develop but very consistent once established. It works well on 5000-grit finishing stones like the Shapton Pro 5K and Naniwa Super Stone 5K, raising a slurry that maintains cutting speed on a stone that would otherwise glaze over. The hardness means it lasts a long time and does not shed material excessively onto the working surface.
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 5K Irodori is notably hard and slow-wearing relative to its price point - reviewers note it behaves like a finer stone than its stated grit, producing a slurry that is dense and slow to develop but very consistent once established. It works well on 5000-grit finishing stones like the Shapton Pro 5K and Naniwa Super Stone 5K, raising a slurry that maintains cutting speed on a stone that would otherwise glaze over. The hardness means it lasts a long time and does not shed material excessively onto the working surface.
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: 5,000
- Dimensions: 60mm x 30mm x 20mm
- Origin: Japan
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Very nice but a little pricey Posted By: Ryan R
45 people found this review helpful
This is a very nice nagura although it's like 2/3 the price of some of the cheaper stones out there. It's very hard and slow wearing and like most Naniwa products I would wager this is finer than its stated grit, maybe closer to 6k. As I've said this thing is hard, the mud created on even a Shapton Pro 5k; which is a very hard and wear resistant stone; was at least half stone material. I personally like harder naguras just be aware that even on hard stones it doesn't give up a whole lot. I've used it on my Arashiyama 6k and the 6k side of my Imanishi combo stone and I didn't notice a decrease in the brightness of the edge, one of the reasons I believe this is probably finer than most 5k stones out there except maybe Naniwas. It should last a very long time though from what I'm seeing. Highly recommend if you have 20 bucks burning a whole in your pocket
45 people found this review helpful
This is a very nice nagura although it's like 2/3 the price of some of the cheaper stones out there. It's very hard and slow wearing and like most Naniwa products I would wager this is finer than its stated grit, maybe closer to 6k. As I've said this thing is hard, the mud created on even a Shapton Pro 5k; which is a very hard and wear resistant stone; was at least half stone material. I personally like harder naguras just be aware that even on hard stones it doesn't give up a whole lot. I've used it on my Arashiyama 6k and the 6k side of my Imanishi combo stone and I didn't notice a decrease in the brightness of the edge, one of the reasons I believe this is probably finer than most 5k stones out there except maybe Naniwas. It should last a very long time though from what I'm seeing. Highly recommend if you have 20 bucks burning a whole in your pocket
