I've used Norton stones for quite a while now and love them. They are easy to use and very easy to sharpen a knife. the only trick with them is to keep the surface moist (use a spray mister). I haven't had any problems with them and haven't heard of anyone else having issues with them either.
Hopefully. you're not planning on using this as a primary sharpening stone because it's principally used for final finishing and polishing of an already sharp edge. In addition, I wouldn't get that combo, unless it's a matter of economy, because the 4k is quite soft and will wear faster than the 8K. Buy the individual stones in these grits. You'll be much happier with them.
You'll also need a coarse or XC diamond stone to periodically flatten these stones because they will cup or dish with use and the stones need to be reasonably flat to sharpen well.
Most waterstones will wear considerable faster than the average Arkansas or Silicon Carbide stone. They are produced with a friable cutting surface that, as it wears, breaks away and reveals new sharp cutting edges. You'll probably get several years out of them with reasonable use but I wouldn't expect them to last long enough to pass on to your "kin".
Good luck.
NJ
