Convenient Case for Waterstones

Over the years I’ve tried several methods for storing, mounting, and using my waterstones. While the methods have worked, none have been ideal. When I saw the Norton IM 83 waterstone case, it appeared to be just what I had been looking for.

The two-tier case is compact. The bottom section holds accessories like extra stones, lapping plates, and honing guides. The upper section has a rotating triangular block that clamps three waterstones. The case is designed to fit Norton stones, which are 1 in. thick by 3 in. wide by 8 in. long, but stones that approximate these same dimensions will work too.

The upper section is filled with water so the stones always stay moist, and an internal gasket keeps it in the box. As you rotate through the sharpening grits from coarse to fine, the stones continually lubricate in the water and rinse clean. Thanks to four sticky rubber feet on the bottom, the case remains stationary as you go through your sharpening regimen.

The Norton waterstone case worked as well as I had hoped, making the task of storing, accessing, and using the stones a snap. The only downside is that it’s an inconvenient system for combination (two-sided) stones.

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