Whetstone Sharpening Stone Shapton Ceramic Kuromaku #12000 by Shapton

I have a few whetstones, ranging in grit from 250 to 8,000 and I have been previously using my 8,000 grit stone to finish off my Global Knives - none of them in the price range of Shapton, to be fair. I've become reasonable adept at sharpening them freehand and they were pretty sharp, I wouldn't say razor sharp but very sharp nevertheless. This Shapton stone, at 12,000 grit, is a different level. I used a 3,000 then an 8,000 grit stone to get a really nice sharp edge and then went to work with my new Shapton 12,000.The stone I ordered came directly from Japan and the instructions were in Japanese. However, I did a bit of research and it was recommended that you soak the stone in water for about 5 or 6 minuted prior to first use. On further uses, it's not recommended to soak the stone as it can soften the stone. For future uses, the stone should be sprayed with water on the surface prior to use. Following use, once clean of any residual dirt, it should be allowed to dry prior to being placed back in the box.The finish you get using this stone is at another level to the stones I've used before. I found the blade edge was genuinely polished and is was unbelievably sharp. This stone is quite a bit more expensive than stones I've used before but I can see why. It is far superior in quality. I would highly recommend this stone for anyone who is serious about sharpening their knives. Genuine top quality product.

I have a beautiful Japanese Tamahagane knife that my friend brought back from Japan several years ago. I’ve dabbled in whetstones over the years and already have 1000/3000/8000 grit stones. I purchased this as I’ve never been able to get it as sharp as when I received it. I was a little wary, particularly as several previous reviewers had received broken stones; and the cost is a lot for a whetstone. My thoughts?It did an amazing job - worth every Penny…

Shapton have a deservedly good reputation for the quality of their stones. The 12000 grit I bought and have used has produced excellent results on my chisels and plane blades.Just be aware that this grit is for final polishing and lower grits will need to be used first if you are regrinding old chisels or preparing a brand new blade.

Got to be the best whetstone I've bought so far (and I've bought a few). Gets my straight razor amazingly sharp very quickly. Would definitely recommend

Shapton is my favorite stones.I use it for my straight razors and never let me down.Quality is excellent !!!

Excellent ceramic sharpening stone.

Wish I know about shapton stone earlier. This is a fantastic product. so good I brought three stone, 1500 grit, 5000 grit and this 12000 grit.

Bought this to take the edge of my Japanese knives to the next level. My blue #2 gyuto has never been sharper.