You've now gone through the four grits of waterstones, and you should have a chisel blade so shiny and sharp that it will put a smile on your face. But there's still one more thing you can do to help your chisel out: add a microbevel.

Do this step a few times. In between each set of passes, do three things: wipe the blade clean, inspect your progress, and rinse the stone of the residue that accumulated on it.I don't take this for granted, and I usually spend quite some time researching for answers on my own before Bringing it to you all. A. They are different in two ways. These Nagura are intended for preparing a slurry on a water stone before sharpening, while the Naniwa Nagura Dressing Stone is intended for cleaning the surface of a water stone after sharpening. Also, these Nagura are splash-and-go, while the Naniwa Nagura Dressing Stone requires soaking before use. Sharpening a katana involves several basic steps though, each requiring different tools and techniques. While it might seem daunting at first, with practice, you'll find the process of polishing it becomes almost second nature. Remember, the aim is not just to get the blade sharp, but to maintain the integrity of the blade and to honor the craftsmanship that went into creating it. Inspecting the Katana Blade When storing your katana, it's also a good idea to wrap it in a protective cover, such as a silk bag. This helps to keep dust and moisture away from the blade and can also prevent accidental scratches or other damage. Remember, a katana is not just a tool, it's a piece of art. It deserves to be treated with respect and care. Regular Maintenance of Your Katana

Selecting the right tools for sharpening a katana is crucial. Japanese water stones are traditionally used in the sharpening process. They come in different grits, each designed for a specific stage in the sharpening and polishing process. For instance, coarse stones are used for setting the edge, medium stones for refining it, and finer stones for the polishing process. It's also essential to have a nagura stone for cleaning the water stones, and sword oil for preserving the blade after sharpening. Q: If a sword has some rust or staining in one area why can’t a polisher work on that area and refresh the finish on the sword? One common way to use a nagura is to have a softer nagura than the whetstone you are using. Applying the nagura to a wet whetstone and rubbing will result in the generation of Slurry. In this case the slurry is formed by the particles from the nagura transferring into the water and which sits upon the surface of the whetstone.

Understanding the components of a katana is essential for those who want to learn how to sharpen a katana properly. The blade is the most critical part, and it's where all the sharpening action happens. The blade's surface needs to be treated with care to maintain its razor edge. It's not just about making the blade sharp; it's about preserving the blade's integrity and ensuring it's ready for anything.

An alternative method of nagura is to use what is called a tomo nagura or a partner nagura. Traditionally, tomo nagura are a piece of the whetstone itself which has been cut separately. This provides a palm-sized chunk or smaller which can be used on the larger whetstone’s surface. A traditional tomo nagura is ideal as the the slurry generated between the whetstone and nagura will consist of all the same particles since they are essentially the same material. This is the only natural nagura type where you do not pull particles which are different from the whetstone into the slurry mix.Sharpening a katana sword is not something you rush into. It's a process that requires careful preparation. In Japan, the art of katana sword sharpening, or 'Togi', is considered a formal art form, one that takes years, even decades, to master. But don't let that put you off. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and a healthy respect for the blade, you'll be well on your way to sharpening your katana. Once the blade is clean, apply a thin layer of protective oil. This helps to prevent rust and keeps the blade looking its best. Be sure to use an oil that's specifically designed for swords, as other oils can contain additives that may harm the blade. Apply the oil using a soft cloth, spreading it evenly across the entire surface of the blade. Remember, a little oil goes a long way. You don't need to drench the blade, just give it a light coating. Storing the Katana Correctly However the main thought here is that for faster honing clean sharp abrasive is better. For final polishing slurry is better. So adding slurry using a nagura before you start sharpening on a particular grit makes little sense to me especially on coarser grits. On harder finer stones (finishing stones that mimic natural stones for one) starting on a clean stone makes sense to me, then as you work the stone, using a nagura on the ends to even out wear and create more slurry, which you let dry, also makes logical sense although if the stone is softer so that a good slurry develops anyway, why bother with the nagura? Protect your investment by ensuring proper maintenance and sharpening of your blades with the Dalstrong Premium Whetstone Set. Peak performance never looked so good to you or your wallet. Unrivalled Performance: Offering two individual, whetstones for precision sharpening, constructed of top-grade corundum (aluminium oxide).