Nubatama Ume #1000 Standard (Speckled Medium)
$61.18
Skip to product information
Nubatama Ume #1000 Standard (Speckled Medium)
$61.18
4 in stock
The middle hardness of the speckled Ume 1000, and the one Ken Schwartz recommended by default to anyone asking for a single 1000-grit stone.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nubatama |
| Type | Synthetic |
| Grit | #1000 (Medium) |
| Series | Ume (Speckled) |
| Binder Hardness | Medium (M) |
| Profile | 205 × 75 × 30mm Flat |
Buy This Stone If You're
- Looking for one 1000-grit workhorse for general kitchen and shop sharpening.
- Wanting an alternative to a Naniwa, Shapton or Chosera 1000 at a lower price.
- Preferring a stone with more give than the Hard and Extra Hard versions of the same grit.
Water
Nubatama range stones should not be permasoaked. Let dry fully before storage.
Progression Ideas
- Preceding Step (Lower Grit): A 320 or 600-grit stone.
- Following Step (Higher Grit): Nubatama Ume #2000 Speckled, or the 2000 Platinum for more speed.
Ken Schwartz Video
- Nubatama Ume 1000 grit Japanese Waterstone – First Impressions
- Nubatama Ume 1000 Grit – Three Different Ones!
Notes
- Made in three hardnesses: Medium, Hard and Extra Hard. This is the Medium.
- Ken pointed most buyers here rather than the Extra Hard, unless they liked Shapton-level hardness.
- A separate Ume 1000 Black brick exists at 50mm — a different stone entirely.
Read More
- 1K Stone Recommendation – Weighing the speckled Ume against the Platinum 1k and the mainstream Japanese 1000s.
- Nubatama Stones — Ume Or Bamboo? – Owners comparing the two ranges, including a long-time fan of the extra-hard 1k.
- Quick Overview Of Nubatama Stones – A tour of the whole line and how the grits were designed to fit together.
- Learn From My Mistakes… Stones Cracking – Permasoaking and drying guidance for the full Nubatama range, and why it matters.
Condition
- Stone: New and unused.
- 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.