Well, I gotta say this old dog has learned a new trick. I have been a Norton's/King stone guy with some touch up with an Enders to keep the razors going..I needed something better every since I tried a DE and noticed that my straights were sub standard. I was cruizing sleaze bay and saw some Japanese water stones that were sold by a fellow that resides in California. They looked interesting so I went to his site and checked his other stuff out ( TheJapanBlade.com )...I was pretty impressed and was amazed at some of the beatiful stones he had and the history that he careful annotated on each one. He was definetly a guy who loves his stones....So, any way I really couldn't afford some of them (750 - 2000 range)but he had some cheaper end ones also...If you call 125.00 cheap. I don't, but man was it a beautiful stone! I had to get it! Now for the bad news..I dont' have picutures yet...I know, I am scum... But i had to tell someone about the stone and couldn't wait to take a picture that would do it justice. Now, the result of a quick sharpening with just water was amazing! It was one of the best shaves I have had in quite a while! ...I highly reccomend this fellow's stones. Check him out, you won't regret it!