Naniwa Nagura Stone

The Naniwa Nagura Stone is a compact abrasive stone used to generate slurry on the surface of a whetstone. Rubbed against the stone before or during sharpening, it breaks down the surface and builds the fine abrasive paste that transforms how the whetstone performs — accelerating burr formation, improving the feel and feedback of the sharpening stroke, and producing the slurry that polishes the kireha, the bevel of the blade, as work progresses.

Naniwa's nagura stones require no soaking — a splash of water is all that is needed before use. The four available grits suit different stages of sharpening. The 800 builds an aggressive slurry for medium-grit work and faster stock removal. The 3000 and 5000 produce a finer paste for more refined sharpening passes and improved kireha polish. The 8000 generates a high-grit slurry for finishing work on finer stones, where surface refinement and edge quality are the priority. Each stone is compact and easy to hold, sized for controlled use on the whetstone surface.

Naniwa is a Japanese sharpening stone manufacturer based in Osaka, in business since 1948. Their products are used by professional sharpeners, chefs, and craftspeople across Japan and internationally. Naniwa is known for consistent grit composition, reliable cutting speed, and a range of stones that covers everything from aggressive stock removal to fine polishing.

• Brand: Naniwa
• Available grits: 800, 3000, 5000, 8000
• Measurements: 60 x 35 x 20mm
• Material: ceramic abrasive
• No soak required — splash of water to use
• Made in Japan