- Joined
- Nov 16, 2002
- Messages
- 9,948
I have two combination waterstones: a Norton 1000/8000 and a Matsunaga King 1000/6000. From what yuzuha has said, the abrasive particle size on the Norton 8000 is similar to 4000 grit on Japanese-made stones, but leaves a finish similar 6000 grit Japanese-made stones due to how the abrasive particles are bound together (she mades a similar argument for Ben Dale's EdgePro stones and it's readily apparent that his 600 grit stones leave a better polish than any other 600 grit stone I've seen).
So I had the Norton and bought the Matsunaga King. The King's 1000 grit side cuts faster and leaves a finer finish than Norton's 1000 grit side (and it's no slouch). Also seems to dish slower. The 6000 grit on the King seems to cut slower and not leave as shiny a finish on the edge as the Norton 8000 grit. When brand new, it's easier to gouge the 6000 grit stone than the 8000 grit stone (and the Norton 8000 is no slouch at getting/showing damage).
There is no bottom line, though. Both worked great. The Norton started slower (on its 1000) and finished faster (on its 8000) and the King was the reverse. The King is more fun if you like playing in mud (super plus! :thumbup:
), but the Norton quickly shows you brown streaks on its 1000 stone from your fingers that the terra-cotta color of the King 1000 conceals 
. The Norton is more expensive 
, but it's a long lasting stone and very forgiving of my stupidity when I keep it flattened (same for King). The King stone won't have you screaming "Oh nos" should you accidentally drop it.
So I had the Norton and bought the Matsunaga King. The King's 1000 grit side cuts faster and leaves a finer finish than Norton's 1000 grit side (and it's no slouch). Also seems to dish slower. The 6000 grit on the King seems to cut slower and not leave as shiny a finish on the edge as the Norton 8000 grit. When brand new, it's easier to gouge the 6000 grit stone than the 8000 grit stone (and the Norton 8000 is no slouch at getting/showing damage).
There is no bottom line, though. Both worked great. The Norton started slower (on its 1000) and finished faster (on its 8000) and the King was the reverse. The King is more fun if you like playing in mud (super plus! :thumbup:
), but the Norton quickly shows you brown streaks on its 1000 stone from your fingers that the terra-cotta color of the King 1000 conceals . The Norton is more expensive , but it's a long lasting stone and very forgiving of my stupidity when I keep it flattened (same for King). The King stone won't have you screaming "Oh nos" should you accidentally drop it.