This authentic set of Mikawa Shiro Nagura was sourced by us from Sakamoto San (holder of the Asano stamps). Asano stamping indicates that these nagura have been tested by Sakamoto San and that they are of premium quality.
We have then also tested each nagura for quality, and carefully matched them for use in progression. In addition all sides except the rubbing surface have been coated with cashew lacquer to protect the nagura from water infiltration / deterioration over time.
Weights and notes:
Botan - 124g
Betsuju meaning White and irregular shaped. This particular Botan has a nice mix of feeling a bit pasty but there is definitely granularity present. This Nagura has great speed and awesome, clear feedback making it great for a beginner.
Tenjou - 175g
Tokyu meaning Striped and irregular shape.
Mejiro - 131g:
Betsuju meaning White and irregular shaped.
Use:
Mikawa Nagura stones—Botan, Tenjou, and Mejiro—are natural Japanese honing stones used in progression to sharpen and polish blades with precision. These stones, mined in the Mikawa region, are highly valued for their ability to refine cutting edges, making them indispensable for straight razors, knives, and fine tools.
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Botan (Coarse Grit): The coarsest Nagura, Botan is used to remove scratches from previous sharpening stages and establish a foundational edge. Its thick slurry works efficiently to refine rough edges and prepare them for further polishing.
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Tenjou (Medium Grit): As a medium-grit Nagura, Tenjou transitions the sharpening process, smoothing the edge further after the Botan stage. It produces a finer slurry that reduces micro-serrations and prepares the blade for fine finishing.
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Mejiro (Fine Grit): Mejiro is a fine-grit Nagura used to refine the edge to near perfection. Its fine slurry creates a smooth and sharp edge, leaving the blade ready for ultra-fine finishing stones.
These stones are applied by rubbing them on a hard base whetstone to create a slurry, essential for the sharpening process. When used sequentially, Mikawa Nagura stones ensure a sharp, mirror-polished edge, combining tradition and functionality for exceptional results.
