: 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

Actually Norton makes abrasives, not just for sharpening also for sanding, I use their sandpaper all the time.

Bill H.