Thread: Artificial Nagura Stone?

I just got my Norton 4K/8K in the mail today, and everything I've read says you need to work up a slurry on the surface of the 8K for it to work as it's supposed to, and to leave the slurry to dry on the stone afterwards. Is there a readily available substitute for the Nagura stone, or do I need to just break down and get the Nagura? I also have a Belgian coticule. Can the same stone used on the 8K waterstone be used to make a slurry on the coticule? I guess I was thinking of something like the small pumice stones you can buy at Wally World for a buck.

You don't need to work up anything on that stone. Just soak the 4k grit for 10 or 15 minutes and go to it. Works great with just the water.

X

Obviously, you have to soak both at the same time. Do you leave the slurry on yours after honing, and how often do you clean it?

I just put a little water in the bottom of the blue plastic holder and let the 4k rest in it, then just flip it and go. When I flip back over to the 8k, it's wet enough to use. Easy peasy.

To clean off the metal swag after use I use a little soap and an old toothbrush.

X

I got a plastic juice container and store my Norton in Water with a little bleach then it is always ready.

Originally Posted by xman

I just put a little water in the bottom of the blue plastic holder and let the 4k rest in it, then just flip it and go. When I flip back over to the 8k, it's wet enough to use. Easy peasy.

To clean off the metal swag after use I use a little soap and an old toothbrush.

X

I use the blue cover for soaking the 4K, too...

No nogura on the Norton. Just soak it and use it. You can either store it in water or soak it before using it. I soak mine 15 minutes before using. There are certain hones that work better with a nogura. My 12K Kitayama came with one and if you use it for knives the nogura is the way to go for razors its a toss up. it works good either way.

I only use a nagura on the 4000 and then only when I am removing nicks from the edge. I have also used my Chinese 12000 to generate the slurry. I have tried softer stones like classic barber hones but they leave grit embedded in the 4000.
I have not yet tried a Hard Arkansas stone but I think that would woork just fine( just as the Chinese 12000 does).

I always rinse off the slurry after the nick is gone and thereafter use just the plain 4000 and 8000. I never use slurry with the 8000.

The advantage of the nagura is that the abrasive grains break down very rapidly. I am not sure but I think the nagura is a form of slate without silica. American slate has a high silica content.

I use the Nagura on the Norton and the Japanese waterstone.I just let it dry after and wash it off ever third or fourth session,if I am doing six or eight razors I will usually do about 3 razors or so then wash them and recharge.The slurry gives a good indication if you are keeping the razor flat and applying a uniform stroke.I think I get a much better edge using the slurry.You can get the Nagura stones from The Japanese Woodworker ,they are pretty cheap for a handfull.When I use a fine barbers hone I use Smiths water soluable honing oil and water.I guess I do all this old fashioned stuff,because it was drummed into us when I was learning to hone and polish in the tool and die business Best Regards to All: Gary