Thread: Beston 500 and Bestor 1200

I am considering these hones: Beston 500 and Bester 1200. How are these for performance? I am planning to use these for knives. How are these for soaking and keeping wet during honing? How are these for flattening. I plan to flatten with drywall screen or sandpaper, or some such thing.

Thanks

I have both, and they are pretty much best of breed, though there's good press lately on the Naniwa 1k chosera. They suck up water and have to be kept wet while honing. Both are fairly easy to flatten with whatever you have available. Sandpaper is fine.

I don't have experience with water stones. How does being so thirsty affect the sharpening process. Does it cause a problem?

There is a stone a Lee Valley: 200x Green Silicon Carbide Stone.
How would this compare to the Beston for a lower grit?


Thanks for help

Not a problem for sharpening. Just soak the stone for 15 minutes before you start, and keep a squeeze bottle of water nearby.

Don't know about the carbide stone. I think if you need something coarser than 400, you might want to look into DMT diamond stones.

Thanks.
It looks like the Beston 500 is a good stone for a lower grit. I forgot to ask how these stones are for someone starting out. Does it matter which stone to choose for learning on?
Can I cut a bevel with the 1200 stone?
I also will want to sharpen razors. Can I use these stones for both?