Thread: Nagura Progression going backwards?

Howard, that is an excellent point about potential chunks or chips off of the koma. It's a matter of the macro vs the micro. The koma may contain fine grained material but if chunks of this fine stuff break off, then it ain't so fine.

I'll let the experts respond but my understanding is that Koma nagura is rather rare or in short supply and it may be that your Koma is not exactly what it was promised to be? In the end, it's a rock and the absolute quality of it will never be guaranteed. As far as I know, what you describe should not be the case. I personality have never passed a HHT off of a Mejiro. I will only get there off of a tomo or the base stone with plain water. But those are my rocks and their qualities.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I'll let the experts respond but my understanding is that Koma nagura is rather rare or in short supply and it may be that your Koma is not exactly what it was promised to be? In the end, it's a rock and the absolute quality of it will never be guaranteed. As far as I know, what you describe should not be the case. I personality have never passed a HHT off of a Mejiro. I will only get there off of a tomo or the base stone with plain water. But those are my rocks and their qualities.

True. Anything is possible.
But I did get it from another respected member here and it's asano stamped.
I'll have to do some more testing. To make sure I really know how it's behaving.

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

True. Anything is possible.
But I did get it from another respected member here and it's asano stamped.
I'll have to do some more testing. To make sure I really know how it's behaving.

Again refer to the experts but perhaps try using a lighter slurry with it. That may be a potential edge destroying problem. Maybe Utopan will give you the advice you need or try PMing Stefan.

I have played with naguras but have nowhere near the experience that Stefan has.

I did a google search for "Koma nagura feels course" and the second thing that popped up was a page on Komas as tomonagura.com.
In his writeup he says "Like other Mikawa Nagura, each Koma can have its own unique personality. Some seem to create slurry that starts off coarser, yet winds up finer at the end of the session". Obviously it's pretty general statement, but maybe it speaks to the fact that each stone is different, same with naguras.
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions to talk with Stefan too - I'll have to hit him up.

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

I did a google search for "Koma nagura feels course" and the second thing that popped up was a page on Komas as tomonagura.com.
In his writeup he says "Like other Mikawa Nagura, each Koma can have its own unique personality. Some seem to create slurry that starts off coarser, yet winds up finer at the end of the session". Obviously it's pretty general statement, but maybe it speaks to the fact that each stone is different, same with naguras.
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions to talk with Stefan too - I'll have to hit him up.

If in fact this is the issue with your stone, you'll need to hone longer on it to break it down to its finest level of grit and polish. As I hone with mine, I do many many sets of circles and xstrokes to break down the slurry. You may already be doing that. But perhaps this one needs more than your others? If not, maybe try a tomo after your Mejiro instead.

BTW, what more are you hoping for if you're passing. HHT off of the Mejiro? Seems to me you hav a great edge already. Mejiro can be your last step in the progression. It a good, fine stone capable of being the final polish if you choose.