Nubatama Bamboo #15,000 (Upper Grade Hard)
The hard formulation of Nubatama’s finest stone. Ken Schwartz named the 15k hard specifically as the finisher to reach for at the end of a razor progression.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nubatama |
| Type | Synthetic |
| Grit | #15,000 (Ultra Fine) |
| Series | Bamboo (Upper Grade) |
| Binder Hardness | Hard (H) |
| Profile | 205 × 75 × 25mm Flat |
Buy This Stone If You're
- Finishing straight razors where a firm surface holds the bevel exactly.
- Polishing chisel and plane backs that must stay dead flat at the final step.
- Wanting the hardest, finest stone in the range.
Water
Nubatama range stones should not be permasoaked. Let dry fully before storage.
Progression Ideas
- Preceding Step (Lower Grit): Nubatama Bamboo #8000 or #10,000.
- Following Step (Higher Grit): A natural finisher, or a sub-micron loaded strop.
Ken Schwartz Video
Notes
- The demo above covers the 15,000; the hard formulation was a later addition to the range.
- Ken pointed razor honers to the hard version by name at the top of a progression.
- One of the newest stones in the line, alongside the 3000 Platinum Ume and the 2000 Speckled.
Read More
- Next Stone — Naniwa Super 12K Or SP15K? – Where the 15k sits among the ultra-fine finishers worth considering at this level.
- 2K Nubatama Bamboo – Ken on the upper-grade Bamboo stones and why he rated them against naturals.
- Serious Nubatama Plus Natural Plus Setup – A full high-end progression built from these stones into naturals and diamond.
- Learn From My Mistakes… Stones Cracking – Permasoaking and drying guidance for the full Nubatama range, and why it matters.
Condition
- Stone: Sold in two states, selectable above. New stones are unused and factory-fresh. The Used stone has been sharpened on and is priced accordingly; it is flat, sound, and has plenty of life left.
- Packaging: While our inventory is new, the original packaging may show minor shelf wear, scuffing, or external softening due to warehouse storage and handling over the last five years. Internal protective wrapping (plastic or paper) may show signs of handling, minor tears, or may occasionally be absent—this never affects the condition of the stone itself.
Shipping
Orders are typically processed and shipped same day from Santa Maria, CA.
Every stone ships in a new, high-quality box, individually wrapped in bubble wrap and packing paper for maximum protection in transit.
Please reach out with any questions before or after purchase — happy to help.
Return policy
At Pacific Waterstone, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every stone we sell.
Incorrect or Mislabeled Items
If you receive an item that is mislabeled, damaged, or significantly mischaracterized in its listing, we will make it right. You may return the item for a full refund or exchange with no restocking fees, and we will cover all return shipping costs.
Standard Returns
If you change your mind or wish to return an item for any other reason:
- Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original, unused condition with all original packaging.
- A 10% restocking fee applies to cover processing costs.
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
To initiate a return, please contact us with your order number and the reason for your request.
Provenance
Everything we carry comes from the personal collection of Ken Schwartz — the sharpener behind Precise Sharpening, who built the Nubatama line and gathered the naturals that sat beside it on his bench. The synthetics are new and unused. The naturals were his.