Mikawa Chū-Nagura (For Sword Polishing)

Mikawa Chū-Nagura is, as widely known, a natural nagura whetstone quarried in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture. It has long been used for polishing Japanese swords and edged tools. In the field of sword polishing in particular, it is highly regarded for providing stable cutting power and a smooth, comfortable sharpening feel. The Mikawa nagura stones distributed under the Asano name have been carefully classified into approximately eight distinct layers, ranging from Mushi to Koma, thanks to the efforts of Sakamoto-san, the distributor. In practical sword-polishing usage, however, these stones are generally categorized into two main types based on function: Chū-Nagura and Koma-Nagura. This stone was acquired from a collector who specializes in Japanese swords. While it is not possible to definitively identify the exact layer, test sharpening suggests that its characteristics correspond roughly to the Atsu to Botan layers in the Asano nagura classification. During use, it quickly produces a fine gray slurry and demonstrates strong cutting power, allowing the blade surface to be refined evenly and efficiently. It is an especially practical and user-friendly Chū-Nagura, well suited for the transitional stage leading into the Koma-Nagura process in sword polishing. Please note that these are not for beginner sharpeners since they're harder to use.These are natural stones meaning that every single one of them are different so my measured size are not accurate. This is a life time investment for people who lives sharpening their knives and tools, do not hesitate to ask me your questions.