Hello all,

I just bought some waterstones and thought I would share the link to where I got them because I thought it was a pretty good deal. I am in no way affiliated with this company- just sharing information on a good deal. I got two combination stones that give me 220, 1000, 4000, and 8000 grit, plus a flattening stone and an instructional DVD all for $128. I have read a lot of good things about the Norton stones, and that's what I got. The company only sells sharpening supplies which may be the reason they seem to sell cheaper than knife stores, and they offer free shipping on this kit so it was an even better deal.

Here is the link: http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Water-Stone-Kit-P94C53.aspx

Before I have used the "scary sharp" method where you use wet sandpaper on plate glass, and got great results, but I've always wanted a set of water stones, and I don't think you can get sandpaper in 8000 grit. This company also sells Naniwa stones at really good prices. They also have a set that has diamond stones for the coarse grit, and waterstones for the finer grit for those that prefer diamond stones. I may break down and get a Naniwa 12000 grit stone for $80, but for now I'm just going to play around with the 8000. I have read that the Japaneese system actually stops at 8000, and manufacturers selling 10000, 12000, and 15000 grit stones are actually using arbitrary systems beyond the 8000 mark. I read some reviews that said there was not much difference between 8000 and 12000 but that there was some difference under 30x magnification. If any of you have experience with the higher grit stones I'd like to hear it. Also anyone that uses diamond paste on a strop I'd like to hear about that too. I am kind of a sharpening fanatic. I have a machete that will cut a tomato as good as any kitchen knife.

Best regards,

Malcolm