Naniwa S-404 Sharpening Stone – Medium Grit Japanese Whetstone for Knives

The Naniwa S-404 sharpening stone is a Japanese water stone designed to deliver superior performance when sharpening both Japanese and Western kitchen knives. Thanks to its medium-grit structure, it allows efficient edge restoration without excessive steel removal, achieving the perfect balance between sharpening speed and controlled finishing.

Manufactured by Naniwa, one of Japan’s most respected sharpening stone brands, this stone stands out for its consistency, durability, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and professional chefs.

It is perfect for regular maintenance of knives that have lost part of their cutting ability, restoring the edge before moving on to finer grit stones for polishing. It is compatible with a wide range of steels, including stainless steel and high-carbon steel.

The Naniwa S-404 is widely used in professional kitchens, culinary schools, and knife workshops due to its reliability and consistent results.

Key features

• High-quality Japanese sharpening stone
• Model: Naniwa S-404
• Type: water stone
• Medium grit (ideal for edge maintenance)
• Fast, even, and controlled sharpening
• Compatible with Japanese and Western knives
• Suitable for stainless steel and carbon steel
• For home and professional use
• Precision Japanese manufacturing

Advantages of the Naniwa S-404

• Efficient edge restoration
• Maintains the original knife geometry
• Reduces steel wear
• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Consistent, professional results
• Excellent balance between sharpening and finishing

What is the Naniwa S-404 medium grit stone used for?

The Naniwa S-404 is used for maintaining kitchen knife edges. It is ideal when a knife has lost cutting performance but does not require major repair. Its medium grit allows quick edge restoration before moving on to finer polishing stones.

Compatibility

This stone is compatible with:

• Japanese knives: Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, Deba, Yanagiba, Petty
• Western chef knives
• Professional kitchen knives
• Stainless steel
• High-carbon steel

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Naniwa S-404 used for?

It is used to restore and maintain knife edges, especially for regular kitchen maintenance.

Is it a Japanese water stone?

Yes, the Naniwa S-404 is a water stone and should be soaked or wetted before use for best performance.

What grit level is it?

It is a medium-grit stone, ideal for maintenance sharpening.

Can it be used on Japanese knives?

Yes, it is perfect for Japanese knives as well as Western kitchen knives.

Do I need other stones besides this one?

For full sharpening, it is recommended to combine it with a coarser stone (for repair) and a finer stone (for polishing).

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is highly recommended for beginners due to its ease of use and control.

How often should I use it?

It depends on usage, but generally whenever the knife starts losing its cutting performance.