One side is smooth, the other has two grooves. The grooves are for sharpening fishing hooks etc., but you can also sharpen the knife from this side. This stone does give the blade a fine finish, but with a little pressure it can be quite aggressive. I have a new Mora knife with a rough edge on the back of the blade where the metal has been stamped. This stone achieved a smooth polish with reasonable effort. The stone works better than I expected, way better than any artificial sharpening blocks I've used. And to top it off, the case is really nice leather. Everything speaks for quality. Small enough to stay in your pocket; with the holder it is about the size of 3-4 folded credit cards.
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