Whetstone - Rockstar 1000 Grits (Naka Toishi)

There are roughly three types of whetstones based on the grit level.

What is “Grit level”?
The "grit level" of a sharpening stone refers to the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles on the stone's surface, which determines how much material it removes and how sharp or polished the edge of a tool or blade will become.

Grit levels are typically indicated by a number, with lower numbers representing coarser stones and higher numbers denoting finer stones:

• Coarse (Low Grit, e.g., 200–600): Removes material quickly and is used for repairing damaged edges or very dull blades.
• Medium (Mid Grit, e.g., 800–2000): Ideal for general sharpening, refining the edge after using a coarse stone.
• Fine (High Grit, e.g., 3000–8000+): Used for polishing and finishing the edge, creating a razor-sharp, smooth blade.

The RockStar 1000 is a medium whetstone.
The RockStar 6000 is a finishing whetstone.

The medium whetstone (Naka Toishi in Japanese) is the essential stone for beginners. Unless there is a chip in the blade, this grit level is suitable for regular sharpening for double-edged knives, as long as sharpening is done consistently.

Specifications:

• 1000 grit level: 11-micron class (approximate median particle diameter of the abrasive material, in micrometres) / White alumina
• Dimensions: 210 x 70 x 10 mm
• Manufacturer: SHAPTON
• Product of Japan

Standard model and NO stainless-steel case.

How to Use:

Before sharpening, soak the stone in water for 5–6 minutes to minimise wear and ensure consistent results.
Keep the stone wet throughout the sharpening process for optimal performance.

Care and Maintenance:

• Do not expose the whetstone to water for long periods.
• After use, wipe it dry. Leaving the whetstone wet or wrapped in a wet towel could soften it and reduce its durability.
• Do not leave the whetstone outdoors or in direct sunlight, as this could cause weathering or cracking.
• Avoid rapid drying. Placing it near a fan or in a windy area could lead to cracks.
• Store at room temperature. Leaving the whetstone in a closed car or any location with abnormally high temperatures could cause it to crack.
• Do not expose the whetstone to hot water. Extreme temperature differences could result in cracks.
• Avoid using detergents or similar cleaning agents, as these could alter the quality and impair the sharpening performance.
• Do not use a dishwasher or dryer. Sudden temperature changes could cause cracking, and knocks could cause chipping.