Toma Nagura (砥間名倉) is a traditional Japanese natural auxiliary stone used to form a suspension on the surface of the main sharpening stone. The term 'nagura' itself means 'rubbing stone' and 'Toma' is one of the old, classic types. Toma Nagura was mined in various places in Japan, but today the known high quality old Toma Nagura mines have closed and the remaining examples are highly prized. The old [...]
In the world of Japanese natural sharpening stones, Nagura stones occupy a special place. They are not the main sharpening stones, but are designed to create an abrasive suspension on the surface of the main stone, thus extending and enriching the sharpening possibilities. Among them, the best known and most appreciated system is probably the Asano Mikawa Nagura, which is distinguished not only by its quality, but also by the thoughtful structure of its progression. What [...]
What are carbides in knife steel? Carbides are hard microparticles that are formed when carbon bonds with other elements in the alloy, such as chromium, vanadium, tungsten or molybdenum, during the hardening process. These particles are much harder than the steel matrix itself and have a strong influence on the cutting properties: the more carbides there are and the harder and more evenly distributed they are, the longer the blade [...]
Shaving with a folding single-blade razor is not only a personal hygiene procedure, but also a ritual that requires knowledge, care and proper maintenance. For beginners, it is important to understand the basics in order to have a safe, enjoyable and quality shaving experience. Choosing a razor: carbon steel or stainless steel Carbon steel is easier to sharpen, gives a sharper and gentler shave, but requires more maintenance due to rusting [...]
Natural Japanese sharpening stones, called tennen toishi, are highly prized by chefs, woodworkers and knife enthusiasts for their unique sharpening properties. Quarried from historic Japanese quarries, these stones offer a unique tactile, organic sharpening experience that synthetic stones often cannot replicate. Their ability to create extremely sharp and long-lasting blades with a refined, polished finish makes [...]
Straight razors are classic shaving tools, appreciated for their shaving quality and elegance. One of the most important parameters determining the character of a shaver is its grind, which is the shape of the steel part between the spine and the edge of the blade. The ground determines the stiffness, flexibility, shaving feel and maintenance characteristics of the blade. In this article, we will discuss the main types of floors and [...]
Japanese natural sharpening stones (toishi, 砥石) are valued not only for their mines of origin, but also for the specific geological strata (strata layers) from which they are extracted. Each layer, or sō (層), has unique physical and abrasive properties that determine the stone's suitability for different sharpening stages, from coarse grinding to mirror polishing. These layers, often identified [...]
Japanese natural sharpening stones, also known as toishi (砥石), are not only tools, but also a cultural heritage, valued around the world for their unique grinding qualities and aesthetic. These stones, extracted from mines around Kyoto, are divided into eastern (Higashi Mono, 東モン) and western (Nishi Mono, 西モン) groups, according to their geographical location around Mount Atagoyama. Each [...]
Natural Japanese whetstones (天然砥石, tennen toishi) are valued for several main reasons: 1. Highest quality and unique properties Japanese natural stones are extracted from old mines that have been used for centuries. Each stone has a unique combination of minerals that allows for an extremely precise cutting edge. 2. Excellent grinding feel (feedback) These stones provide a clear and subtle feedback […]
Nakayama is the most famous of Japan's natural finishing stone mines, due in part to the ancient history surrounding the mine, the marketing skills of the previous owners, and the extremely fine quality of the stones. Kato-san, who owned the mine from the 1950s to the late 1960s, stamped many of his stones with his own personal ink stamp, while most other miners simply wholesaled […]
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