Japanese water stones: Imanishi Bester
Bester water stones, manufactured by Imanishi in Kyoto, Japan, generate a sharpening feel remarkably similar to that experienced with a natural stone. These medium-hard stones do not need very much water and will cut metal at a rapid rate. When sharpening you will hear and feel the effect of stone on the blade. When you check your work, you will be surprised by how much the stone has removed. The stone’s response to user actions is fairly direct – this will be appreciated by anyone who remembers grinding away on whetstones without sensing whether any progress is being made.
Being relatively hard, the stones do not wear very quickly. Allow for at least five minutes soaking time before use. The coarser stones often profit from another quick dip in the water after a few minutes of sharpening to keep them cutting at their optimal rate. These stones work well on stainless steel as well as high-carbon and tool steels. The 400, 4000 and 8000 grit stones are somewhat harder than the 700, 1000, 1200, and 2000 grit stones. The listed stone sizes are approximate, as Bester stones are usually a few millimetres larger than their nominal size.
Imanishi 220 roughing stone
Bester series
220 grit grade whetstone for
- removing chips
- initial pass on very dull blades
- initial sharpening sessions
- changing bevel angles
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 50 mm
This stone is twice as thick as other stones in this series.
Imanishi 400 roughing stone
Bester series
400 grit grade whetstone for
- removing chips
- initial pass on very dull blades
- initial sharpening sessions
- changing bevel angles
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
Imanishi 700 roughing stone
Bester series
700 grit grade whetstone for
- quick results
- sharpening dull blades
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
Imanishi 1000 sharpening stone
1000 grit grade whetstone for
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
Imanishi 1200 sharpening stone
Bester series
1200 grit grade whetstone for
- obtaining very sharp edges
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
The stone is capable of removing a fair amount of material while also leaving a very fine finish – perfect for cutting microbevels and back bevels.
Imanishi 2000 sharpening/honing stone
Bester series
2000 grit grade whetstone for
- sharpening and honing with one stone
- removing material (despite a relatively fine grit)
- removing blemishes left by coarser stones
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
For many applications this stone is fine for final honing.
Imanishi 4000 honing stone
Bester series
4000 grit grade whetstone for
- honing (removing) fine scratches
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
The final sharpness that can be obtained will be a clear improvement on the result produced by stones with lower grit grades.
Imanishi 6000 honing stone
Bester series
6000 grit grade whetstone for
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
Imanishi 8000 honing stone
Bester series
8000 grit grade whetstone for
- final honing
- obtaining a mirror finish
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 25 mm
This stone provides the ultimate kick for those in the know!
Imanishi 10000 honing stone
Bester series
10000 grit grade whetstone for
- honing
- obtaining a mirror finish
- following an Imanishi 4000 honing session
Size 205 mm x 76 mm x 25 mm
The stone is harder than, say, the Naniwa Sharpening Stones 8000 and 10000, but softer than, say, the Naniwa Professional Stones and provides a better feedback. The relatively fast build-up of fine abrasives on the surface has no effect on the stone’s aggressiveness. Smaller inclusions in the stone should be tolerated as they do not affect sharpening. A brief soaking is sufficient.
Imanishi 1000/6000 combination stone
Bester series
1000/6000 grit grade whetstone for
- sharpening on one side
- honing on the other side
Size 205 mm x 75 mm x 35 mm