SHAPTON Ha No Kuromaku Ceramic Whetstone (A-set) Medium Grit (#1000) + Fine Grit (#5000)

I’m completely new both to owning quality knifes and to sharpening them myself, so you can take my review with a grain of salt. Having said that, these whetstones (I bought 3 of them - 1000 / 2000 / 5000) deliver and I am extremely pleased with my purchase. Even though I’m still learning the proper technique and I do get tired of sharpening by making the same precisely angled movement (as precise as I can make it), I found these whetstones very easy to use and of high quality in terms of what I was expecting after watching around 15 YouTube videos in this topic and what I obtained in my experiments. Some YouTubers say these stones may last a lifetime, it does look like so. If I ever feel the need to buy a higher grade (like a 10000, who knows), I’ll definitely look first at this maker.

I can not even begin to help you understand just how great these stones are. They changed my whole world when it comes to sharpening. I used a smiths trihone before this. You would think I was using a rock just comparing how sharp I can get these vs the smiths. So the stones are hard. They don't require soaking. They have good feedback. Easy to clean. Slow wearing. I know these stones are going to last me basically forever. But if and when they do wear down I will buy another set. These are seriously that good.I ordered a 2000 grit to help between the 1000 and 5000. But with these and a strop. I get unbelievable edges. I use the sharpal 162n I think it is to set the profile then these to do the shining.Anyway. I say all that to say I wish I could give 10 stars. Jeez they are just so good.DONT QUESTION YOURSELF. JUST BUY THEM. ITS MORE THAN WORTH IT!Thank you shapton!

Arrived quickly and in great condition

If you are new to knife sharpening or even a pro with plenty of experience, you cannot go wrong with these stones in your arsenal. Whether you are looking for a whetstone, ceramic, or glass. The various grits, and SHAPTON offers plenty of them, are considered to be accurate. They range from grit capable of reshaping the blade all the way through putting a mirror finish. I will caution you here? Since SHAPTON makes a variety of stones, do not skip out and follow the instructions on preparing the stones, breaking in the stones, cleaning the stones, 'fixing'; the stones, storing the stones, (you get the idea). The directions for all this? As these are stones from Japan where knife sharpening is an art form, they are written in Japanese. You can find the English translated version on the internet or contact SHAPTON directly to have them available. If you are wanting quality stones and paying the price for them, you need to keep them ready. These are not the most expensive stones out there, but if you're in the market for stones that will work and get quality knife edges right off the stone itself, then you need to start here. The stones are ideal but take a lot of care to ensure they work as advertised and will last. Your only issue here is finding the correct stones to start with. As I mentioned, SHAPTON has a number of stones available and although having the full range available, to start, you only require two or three. And then progress from there. Good stones, good quality, good reputation, and functional as well. Not a bad investment for above high-quality standards

Good sharpening stone set, but priced at the upper limit of what it is worth.

Simply amazing.I'm starting into the sharpening world. And can tell that these are great. A must have in every home, kitchen or job that requires it.

I've been sharpening stuff for 65 years as a luthier, union carpenter, furniture maker, science teacher, backpacker and handyman. I've sharpened with sandpaper, oil stones, Arkansas stones, other water stones, diamond plates,a motorized sharpening wheel and those metal-cutting v-slot kitchen devices. This is the way to go.These stones cut fast and easy. They are "splash and go", you don't need to, nor shouldn't, soak them. The storage boxes double as built-in holders and the rubber feet hold them in place. This means you can use them on the kitchen counter without resorting to other accessories. The boxes cleverly stack for compact storage in the kitchen or shop.If you're new to sharpening with a stone don't be intimidated. The trickiest part is maintaining a constant angle but watch some videos and practice.FYI, the 1000 grit stone is coarser than most other labeled 1000 grit stones. Not a bad thing, just good to know. I also ordered a 2000 grit which I will use on my R2 Japanese knife. But the combo 1000/5000 did a great job on all my other knives, Wustof, Misen, Buck, etc. I sharpened some scissors too, couldn't stop! I've yet to take the stones into the shop but I'm sure my plane irons and chisels will be happy.You may get by with just the stones for a long while if you're just sharpening a few kitchen knives every month but it's a good idea to procure a diamond plate for use in flattening your stones if you're a frequent user. A well reviewed one is the Aroma Diamond Sharpener Grade #140. (Some folks recommend a finer grit for the 5000 stone, others say it's not that important whether it leaves some scratches.)

Great working product