This is a valuable rock compared to the Pro 800, it's a drinking rock not a splash rock but I've found that for me this just means putting it under running water. 30 seconds before you can treat it as a splash and walk away. Cuts mild steel very quickly and I love it. I'm not very good at sharpening my hands, but I don't see it as a punishment and a bad pass can be easily fixed. It can shave a knife dulled on a brick by itself. Note that shipping will be slow as it will be shipped directly from Japan to US buyers.