Using Nagura Stones for Whetstone Sharpening

One common technique for using a nagura stone involves selecting a nagura that is softer than the whetstone. When the nagura is rubbed on a wet whetstone, it creates a slurry composed of particles from the nagura mixing with the water on the whetstone’s surface. This method is particularly effective when using a hard whetstone, as it provides a stable working surface that resists dishing out during sharpening. The soft particles from the nagura enhance the sharpening process, and using a series of progressively finer naguras can yield a sharper edge than the whetstone alone, especially for tools like razors. Although this technique also removes some particles from the whetstone, the majority of the slurry comes from the nagura.

Another approach is to use a harder nagura on a softer whetstone. In this case, the slurry primarily consists of particles from the whetstone itself. This method is often employed on very hard whetstones that do not self-slurry—meaning they do not produce a slurry through the friction of the blade alone. However, it can also be used on softer whetstones that do self-slurry to expedite the process. Even with this method, a few particles from the harder nagura will mix into the slurry.