SHAPTON Kuromaku Pack

Shapton Kuromaku is a highly effective whetstone series suitable for all metals. It has gained popularity among fishermen and hunters – not only because the stones come in a sturdy plastic box, but also because they have proven their performance with hard carbon steels and fillet knives.

The Kuromaku series is known for its rough, powerful sharpening feel. It’s not the smoothest or quietest stone, but a whetstone series originally made for Japanese craftsmen sharpening hard carbon steel chisels and plane blades. That alone tells you this is no underpowered stone.

The package includes two whetstones. The 1000 stone is perhaps the most talked-about in the Kuromaku series. Its true grit is closer to 800, which explains its efficiency. From this stone, it’s easy to jump to the 5000 for finishing. The included Suehiro flattening stone #280 has been upgraded – its long shape makes flattening reliable.

Although the 1000 stone is powerful, remember that a coarser stone is needed if your knife has visible chips or cracks. I recommend, for example, SHAPTON Kuromaku 220 as an addition to the set.