Nubatama Ume #4000 (Green)
$55.00
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Nubatama Ume #4000 (Green)
$55.00
1 in stock
A creamy magnesia-binder finisher that Ken Schwartz demonstrated for its Kasumi work — the soft, high-feedback route to 4000 grit rather than the fast one.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nubatama |
| Type | Synthetic |
| Grit | #4000 (Fine) |
| Series | Ume (Green) |
| Binder Hardness | Standard |
| Profile | 205 × 75 × 25mm Flat |
Buy This Stone If You're
- Finishing clad Japanese knives and want the cladding to come up with visible Kasumi contrast, not just a polished apex.
- A freehand sharpener who works by feel — this is the softer, more talkative surface at this grit, where the Bamboo 4000 is the fast and quiet one.
- Working along curved profiles and want a binder that stays in contact instead of riding the high spots.
- Looking for the classic Chocera-style tactile feedback in a Nubatama stone.
Water
A light spray or a brief dip is all this stone needs. Nubatama range stones should not be permasoaked. The magnesia-binder Ume finishers in particular want careful dry storage — let the stone dry fully before it goes back on the shelf.
Progression Ideas
- Preceding Step (Lower Grit): Any of the Nubatama Ume #2000 stones, or a #3000.
- Following Step (Higher Grit): The Ume #6000, a Bamboo #8000, or straight onto a Japanese natural finisher.
Relevant Ken Schwartz Video
Nubatama Ume 4000 Grit Waterstone - First impressions Part 1
Nubatama Ume 4000 Grit Waterstone - First impressions Part 2
Key Moments (Part 2)
- [0:00] — Overview of the stone and where it sits in the Ume line.
- [0:50] — Water setup and a check of the surface feel.
- [2:10] — Kasumi finish demonstrated on a clad steel knife.
- [3:50] — Final edge inspection and slicing performance.
Notes
- Magnesia binder, which is what gives it the creamy feel rather than the Bamboo line's harder surface.
- Paired with the Ume #6000 as the two fine finishers in the range.
- The light slurry is doing the Kasumi work — don't rinse it away mid-polish.
Read More
- 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.