Nakiyo Glass waterstones are premium, quick-soak stones that don't require as much soaking as standard waterstones and are mounted on a glass backing for additional strength and support. Synthetic corundum waterstones are the tool of choice for most skilled sharpeners, and for good reason. Offering faster action than diamond stones without damaging your knives like pull-through and automatic sharpeners, these stones produce a finer finish than nearly any other method. Like our standard waterstones, Nakiyo Glass stones are made of synthetic corundum, but feature a higher particle density that sharpens more quickly and doesn't need to absorb as much water before use. While standard waterstones need to soak for at least 15 minutes, Nakiyo Glass stones only require about 5 minutes. The 5-millimeter-thick glass backing protects the stone from warping and adds structural support. Grit Guide Nakiyo Glass stones come in three grits to cover the range of your sharpening needs, which are also available as a set for an additional discount. 400 (coarse): For initial shaping of an edge after moderate to heavy use. 2000 (fine): For finishing to an acceptable edge, or as a bridge between low and high grits. 15000 (ultra fine): For polishing to a mirror finish. This stage will leave your knife sharp enough to shave with. Not the grits you're looking for? Nakiyo single-sided waterstones, combination waterstones, and finishing stones are available in additional grits, but require longer soaking and more frequent maintenance. Tips & Care Nakiyo waterstones must be soaked in water for at least 5 minutes before use and kept wet during use by periodically dripping or spraying water onto the surface. Be sure to sharpen your knife at its correct edge angle. This will typically be 15-18° for Japanese knives and 20-25° for Western knives. Your stone will last for many years of regular use and care, but over time, it will preferentially wear in areas where you apply the most pressure. The surface can be easily flattened with a flattening stone to restore it to maximum effectiveness.
