This very high quality tested set of Mikawa Nagura, originally purchased from Keith Johnson & then by us from an estate collection, weigh as follows: Botan - 192g, Tenjou - 170g, Mejiro - 146g, Koma - 143g.
All sides except the rubbing surface have been coated with cashew lacquer to protect the nagura from water infiltration / deterioration over time.
Mikawa Nagura stones—Botan, Tenjou, Mejiro, and Koma—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.
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.
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.
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.
Koma (Ultra-Fine Grit): The rarest and finest of the Nagura stones, Koma is used for the final sharpening stage before moving to the finishing stone. Its ultra-fine slurry creates a razor-sharp, polished edge with exceptional smoothness.
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.
