Another Newb sharpening stone question

[doctorsimpson]

I searched but couldn't find an answer...apologies if I missed a thread somewhere.

What are the pros/cons to getting a combination stone (ie. combo 1000/6000 waterstone) vs a non-combination stone?

Is there much difference in the longevity of the stones? Difference in quality?

I am currently practicing on a Home Depot Norton combo stone and want to make to jump to a better stone. It seems that the combo stones are less expensive for 2 grits vs buying two separate stones. I guess I'm also trying to figure out if it is worth the extra money for two stones or save some money and get one stone with two grits.

Thanks for your input.

 

[bpeezer]

I like separate stones, but then again I just spent $200 on two stones I think of it like burning a candle at both ends. It will wear a little faster than two separate stones, each as thick as the combo. Also, wearing on both sides means the stone won't sit perfectly flat on either side. That would be an issue for me, but then again a lot of things are issues for me that aren't for normal people

 

[Jason B.]

Too many factors to add up.

Try moving up to a Norton India and finish with 1 Micron or even 0.5 Micron diamond spray. For most knives that would be a hard combo to beat unless you want scratch pattern refinement then waterstones would be a good choice. Budget and the types of steels you plan to sharpen can change things a lot too.