Thread: Nagura stones

Should a nagura stone be soaked before using them or dry.

Wet the stone your using, Ozuku, Shoubudani, whatever, then rub the dry Nagura on it. No need to soak or wet the Nagura.

thank you so much for replying

Your Welcome....

I suggest you rinse it of, you want the nagura to grind of a nice even slurry and if it's dirty from previous work it can shed of bigger pieces of old dried slurry.

Originally Posted by Swerve

Should a nagura stone be soaked before using them or dry.

you can soak if you want not going to matter for the end result. Wet nagura is easier to slurry. All that being said are you asking about synthetic slurry stone or natural?

I agree with rinsing the stones prior to use. You should actually do this with every stone you use whether it's your naguras or your hones. Even if the stone is in a drawer and put away, a nice rinse and wiping off under running water will ensure a clean, smooth and particle free surface.

The naguras I have slurry so easily after i just dip them in clean, filtered water, not sure why you'd need to soak them.

Good luck.

How do "you" use your naguras?
I got the Mikawa Naguras Botan/Tenjo/Meijro (koma, I wish) and a bunch of tomo naguras I play around with.
The Mikawas is used in order, keep it clean and it's almost to easy to get o perfect edge.
The tomo naguras are more fun, use a good base stone and try a soft tomo for hard quick cutting then step up to harder and harder.
Why would you always use the exact same tomo as you got base stone when you get totally different results with different combinations,
suddenly you get something that's like a dream to sharpen on.
(Got an unknown Shiro Nagura that's good as a paper weight...)

"I" use my naguras like any other slurry stone. I prefer a thicker slurry to start and dilute. Before dilution I work the slurry until I feel the potential of said slurry is reached.

I have the Asano nagura set and a tomo nagura of the same quality as my Ozuku. Not sure why they would be more "fun" to use as my asanos do an amazing job. I do agree it is fun to experiment though.

Seller(Japanese) who sold naguras to me recommended to soak them for a few.... days prior using them. To be honest I never did. Another Japanese seller whom I got koma from, didn't mentioned anything about soaking. He always provided recommendations how to use stones which you are buying from him. Looks like you may want to try both ways and decide for yourself.