This kit contains 2 stones with 4 grits. This matched set of 8" x 2" stones gives you a Coarse Oil Stone, Fine Oil Stone, Soft Arkansas and a Hard Arkansas grits. This is our best overall value in oil stones.
Step 1 - Combination Coarse/Fine Oil Stone
The first step in sharpening is to create the proper bevel angle on your edge. This is best done with a coarse stone. A coarse stone sharpens more quickly than a finer stone. Using a proper coarse stone means that you will not have to spend extra time on your finer stones. Our Combination Oil Stone is made in the USA using Aluminum Oxide Abrasives. After you've completed sharpening on the coarse side, you can progress to the fine side. The fine side of this stone will greatly enhance the edge created by the coarse side. If your knife already has a well shaped bevel, you can skip the coarse stone and start with the fine. The fine will prepare your knife for the next step in sharpening.
Step 2 - Combination Soft/Hard Arkansas Stone
The next step in the sharpening process is to further refine the edge that you've created with your Aluminum Oxide Stone. Arkansas Stones are finer than Aluminum Oxide Stones and will produce a sharper edge.
The Soft Arkansas side is the coarser Arkansas Stone and is used after the Fine Oil Stone. This side provides an excellent grit progression between your Fine Oil Stone and the next step, the Hard Arkansas.
The Hard Arkansas is the final sharpening stone grit in this kit. This is a very fine grit and will really make your knife extremely sharp. Once you've used this stone, your knife will likely be sharper than when it left the factory.
Q. Will I need anything else after purchasing this kit?
A. This is a very complete set of stones. This kit will produce a very fine edge on knives or tools. At this stage your your edge will be very fine. If you desire the ultimate in sharpness, we do suggest you move up to the Ultimate Oil Stone Kit, this kit adds the strop and strop paste.