+1 to what Marty says about the Carborundum Hone...especially the low numbered ones from 101-106. I prefer the #102. It's harder than any base stone you can name. I use it as a slurry stone (and lapping stone) for Eschers, Coticules, JNATs etc. It will even slurry a very hard LI or CF. I also use it to initially set a bevel profile on every razor I hone. It is very versatile and very inexpensive. I highly recommend them to everyone I talk to about honing...