Naniwa Specialty Stone, SP-491, grit: 12000

The Naniwa Specialty Stone-series is the improved version of the well-known Super Stones-series. Naniwa has renewed the binding agent of the water stones. It is unique that Naniwa itself takes care of the production of the binding agent. Optimal matching to the grit size is important. The result of this is that the sharpening properties of Naniwa water stones are significantly better than sharpening stones of other brands even though the grit size is comparable. The Specialty Stones are hard sharpening stones so it is not very likely that your knife will 'bite' into the stone. Also the wear of the stone is minimal; they have a very long lifespan. However, it is advisable to regularly clean the sharpening stone with a 'dressing stone'.