i had a 1500 stone when i free handed the 2000 stone feels a tiny bit smoother, looks smaller particle under magnification and shows up in work too. the 1000 stone i got with the lansky has pitting, need to get around to complaining i just work around it so far. i love my sapphire personally i consider it night and day between the yellow 1000 and sapphire its a noticeable difference in how honed the knife is, just like before stropping and after.