Do i need another stone?

Wondering if i need another stone.

my main stones that i use for knife sharpening are a 1k grit Super naniwa and a 6k Suehiro stone. I feel like i might need a 3k/4k type stone. 6k just feels too fine for most applications. I have a Hiro AS gyuto (carbon core) and a Tanaka Petty (stainless) that i put on the 6k. I also have some cheaper stainless knives but those get finished on my 1k stone.

Do you think i need a new stone? if so are the imanishi stones any good? i see a 4k for about $50

I use the Bester 1200 and Arashiyama 6K, and feel like I get by fine with those for regular sharpening (also have Beston 500 for coarser work).

Need? Absolutely not. Could be good for your line up though. I don't go to 6k very often at all. It is nice to go past a 1k to make sure you are getting rid of the burr/wire edge. It can really help edge retention.

http://www.japaneseknifesharpeningstore.com/JKS-3000x-3k-sharpening-stone-p/jks3k.htm

thanks Chuckles, will check that one out. looks nice though

Chuckles, why did you have to snow me this stone? I was already happy with my line up but I do have gap between the 1200Bester and 5k Rika but this might be something to consider. UGH

Dude! I live in Minnesota. WAY too early to drop a 4 letter word like snow. :clown:

What's this thing you call "snow"?

You guys suck. Dave, my virtual spellchecker. Gezzz HA

ouch $17 shipping and I'm one state away.

Any other recommendations for a 3k range stone??

is there any way to get a blue aoto stone?? sold out everywhere it seems. from reading reviews and discussions on here it seems like that would be a very good option for me?

If you don't already have a lower grit stone like a 300 - 500, I'd say you need one. They are great for thinning and to start your progression with as it makes sharpening much more efficient. As for finishing stones, you have it covered. 6K is a great place to stop at. I don't think you'll gain much with a 3 or 4K stone over the 6K.

yep, already got lower grit stones (quite a few actually) as well as many stones above 6k as well. I think i might hold out to try and find a synthetic blue aoto.

It looks like it's in stock at Epicurian Edge: http://www.epicureanedge.com/shopexd.asp?id=80022

does $86 with shipping sound about right for this stone?

That's about what I paid for mine. It does a great job with my 440C Chicago cutlery knives as a finish stone.

I shellaced all but one face of mine, and keep it dry except when in use. Too many reports of fractures, so I decided to treat it like a natural stone.

Peter