This was just what I needed to sharpen the blades of some really dull knives and tools. The other stones I have tend to be very fine and extra fine and work great when trying to touch up an edge, but they don't work with large tools and take too long. This is what I need and I plan on getting a few more of these but with a different grit to have a full palette. They work very well with large kitchen knives. I use canola oil spray to keep my knives clean as they are for catering use. Even built a nice little plate holder. Very heavy and stays in place. Costs money.