Naniwa Super Stone sharpening stone, S1-491, grain 12000

This Naniwa Super Stone S1-491 is a Japanese sharpening stone with grain size 12000. This top-quality whetstone is a part of the Super Stone collection: the successor and the predecessor of the Naniwa Specialty Stone Collection.

Synthetic resin-bound sharpening stones

The Super Stones are synthetic resin-bound. Naniwa takes care of the production of this binding agent themselves. Perfectly aligned to the grain size of the sharpening stone. It is one of the reasons why the Super Stones are so incredibly good. They are hard, do not wear out easily and have a high concentration of sharpening particles. As a result your knife won’t quickly ‘bite’ into your stone and the sharpening process will go quickly. In addition, they are splash & go: simply add some water and you are good to go.

After sharpening it is important to properly dry off the Super Stones and allow them to completely dry at room temperature. Do not put them on the heater! Once dry store them in a dry, dark place to prevent small cracks.

About the grain size

Sharpening stones come in various grain sizes. The larger the number the finer the grain. The finer the grain, the sharper the results. You start the sharpening process with a coarse grain after which you continue with a finer grain. Steps of a factor two to three between the different grain sizes are perfect.

Indication for choosing the right sharpening stone

• Grain 200 to 600: great to restore the edge of blunt knives
• Grain 800 to 1000: great to sharpen knives that are still in good shape
• Grain 2000 to 3000: for a sharper result than most knives that are delivered to your doorstep
• Grain 5000 to 12000: for razor-sharp knives

Naniwa Super Stones: they are back!

The Naniwa Super Stones are back from never having gone in the first place. Years ago these stones made a name for themselves because of their hardness, minimal wear and tear and the amazing sharpening results that were achieved with it. At some point Naniwa decided to divide the Super Stones into two versions: the 2 cm thick Sharpening Stones and the 1 cm thick Specialty Stones. New names, the same stones.

Many, however, kept calling the stones Super Stones. Something Naniwa definitely noticed. And behold: the name Super Stone is back! In two versions: the S2 Super Stones with a thickness of 2 cm and these S1 Super Stones, with a thickness of only 1 cm. A new, old name, new packaging. And the quality? That hasn’t changed!

Want to learn more about these stones or are you curious to find out what others think? This stone is the direct successor of Naniwa Specialty Stone, SP-491, grit: 12000. Check out the reviews at the Specialty Stone to learn more about what you can expect from this Super Stone.