There are some deals on the old Naniwa Super Stones out there. Just replaced my hones with the old Naniwa Super Stones. These were without bases and were 2cm/0.78in thick. The 1K stone cost me the equivalent of about $48 US plus shipping. Had the old Naniwa Super Stones before with bases and liked how they performed so did not bother to go with the "new improved" version.
Bob