Mikawa Shiro Nagura Mushi Japanese Natural Whetstone

Selected by us and imported directly from Japan, this Japanese whetstone has been sealed on the sides and back with clear lacquer for protection and extensively tested to assess its performance. Complete details of our testing results are provided below.

Rare Asano Stamped Mikawa Shiro Nagura Mushi. This large and perfectly shaped Mushi Nagura is an extremely rare and special piece which is rarely seen today. Mushi is a lesser known layer/strata and is known for being one of the more coarse layers along with Ban and Atsu. Mushi gets its unique name from insect burrows or holes which the stone displays in random areas. A more aggressive and abrasive Nagura with amazing speed and releases highly abrasive particles via mud and has a crisp, yet easy going feel, albeit medium hard like most Asano Stamped Mikawa Shiro Nagura. This Nagura is aggressive and is capable of bridging the gap between a bevel setter and a more refined Naka Toishi. It's a great jumping point to transition between synthetic and natural stones. When used for direct honing, slurry creation increases the speed and results in a less refined finish which can be refined with water only or a different slurry medium which yields more fine results. Can be used in place of a stone like Chu Nagura. When used for sharpening knives and tools and polishing, it creates a solid foundation of detailed haze, especially when used with burnishing techniques. Capable of producing deep, detailed and hazy Kasumi finish with surprising refinement.