Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 320 WA/800 Cobalt Combination Grit Japanese Whetstone

Combo 320 white alumina & 800 grit white alumina with cobalt, made for Bernal Cutlery in Japan for initial edge formation on both hard Japanese steels and softer stainless steels. Equally suited for preparing Japanese double- or single-bevel knives for a final polish or as a complete stone for Western knives taking a coarser edge. Use a diamond nagura or flattener before use to create slurry for a finer, hazy finish, or use it on a clean surface with only water for faster cutting. 

This stone is the result of extensive experimentation with a broad selection of ceramic stones made by our partner stone manufacturer in Japan, which specializes in high-temperature-fired ceramic sharpening stones. We selected these two together to work with a wide variety of steels and knife types.

These stones offer a lot of versatility; while they are hard and wear slowly (especially the cobalt-infused 800), each stone feels softer and finer than it is, especially with a little worn slurry on the surface and light pressure. Despite this, they cut fast, and the 320 can quickly generate a new edge on relatively dull knives. While it is close to 220 grit numerically, it is not capable of really fast metal removal. 

Ceramic stones will not come apart with longer soaking periods (although water should be changed). Resinoid stones should not be left to soak indefinitely, and both should be allowed to dry outside of sun and wind and not allowed to freeze wet.