Waterstones Sharpen Quickly and Stay Flat

When I tested waterstones head-to-head (“Tool Test: Waterstones,” FWW #224), Ohishi waterstones were not available. But for the past several months I’ve been using their 1,000-, 6,000-, and 10,000-grit stones to sharpen my chisels and plane blades, which includes blades made from high-carbon, A2, and PM-V11 steel. They are just as good as the stones I named Best Overall during the head-to-head test. These stones cut very fast. It took just two or three minutes to work through all three stones, using the 1,000-grit stone to establish a fresh edge, the 6,000-grit to begin the polishing, and the 10,000-grit stone to refine the edge and complete the polishing.

These stones also are very hard, so there is no need to soak them. All they need is a spritz of water prior to use, and an occasional spritz during use. They remain flat for a long time, but flatten easily with a diamond plate when the time comes.

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