"How did you flatten the shoubudani the first time?" I didn't. JimR had used this stone to test it and the heavy work was already done. That is why I bought the stone from JimR. I knew that Jnats are all different and that it would take a boatload of effort to prepare an unused stone. Somewhere on this site I read that it was recommended to try a stone b/4 it was purchased. I felt the next best thing was to get the opinion of someone I trusted and that is why I turned to Jim.