When I first opened the packaging I found it had fallen around a corner and was a bit wrinkled so I had to take it with me my belt sander...but it's very thick and heavy so it stays in place very well when sharpening chisels and other things. I've noticed that I can also use it to smooth my Japanese stones and it doesn't wear out too much. It's nice and flat, the surfaces are very clean and give a good edge without cutting too quickly or for ages. It's somewhere in the middle in terms of cutting speed, which is good because it's versatile. I make knives and other ironwork, so I plan to buy more in the future. It's also nice to stay close to the cutting board to touch up the knives from time to time in the middle of dinner prep.