Looking for a good next stone.

[Sword and Shield]

I've been trying to stay with only stones for a while, and found two that really work for me- an old Craftsman lawnmower stone for rough sharpening and a Norton coarse/fine Pike for getting a more finished edge. I can get a knife to shave with the Norton, but my thoughts are now for a next step.

What's next after fine Crystolon? Which of the Indias?

 

[Native Justice]

Try a Bester ceramic/SiC waterstone (takes very liitle water soak) in 1200 grit. Cuts very fast and puts a spectacular edge on just about any blade steel. Performs very much like a diamond stone without the cost. Puts a nice "smokey" polish on the edge. If you like a more "toothy" edge, then this one's for you. Wears very slowly, unlike many similar waterstones

I was an unbeliever for a long time when it came to waterstones until I listened to Cliff Stamp and decided to splurge for this baby. Paid about $45 for it.

If you want a more polished edge try the Spyderco Benchstones in Fine or Ultrafine grits. Puts a near mirror finish on your blade in no time flat. Excellent quality for a reasonable price (somewhere near $80 list).

Hope this helps!

NJ

 

[HoB]

I am a big fan of the Bester waterstones as well. I wouldn't exactly call the 1200 grit "fine" but it depends how highly you would like to polish your edges.

 

[Sword and Shield]

I have the Spyderco Fine stone, and I use the brown rods for some polishing, but ceramics in general don't work so well for me. Maybe ceramic and SiC would work.