Attention: Re the Atoma #1200 diamond plate. After consultation with the manufacturer of the Atoma 1200, it is the unavoidable fact that the Atoma 1200 has no place in lapping/cleaning or anything at all to do with waterstones. In fact the Manufacturer Tsuboman and Tools from Japan, have made it abundantly clear that if you use a 1200 Atoma on any waterstone they (Tools from Japan sell) will immediately revoke and make null and void all warranties/guarantees due to the damage that will be caused to both the plate and the waterstone. The Atoma 1200 is best used with steel. Using it on waterstones, will degrade the plate rapidly, and the nickel that the fine diamonds adhere to lose the diamonds which become embedded in the stone causing significant damage. Especially if you then push your favourite blade over a stone with the peak of a diamond in it's path!

The Atoma 400 however is suitable for lapping waterstones and is recommended by the manufacturer, taking care not to gouge into the waterstone.

This is not from me fellas, I was intending to buy a 1200 Atoma, and The boss of Tools from Japan basically wouldn't sell it to me if it were to have anything to do with waterstones. And went on to, in detail to make it absolutely clear to anyone who uses synthetic waterstones with this plate, they will wreck the stone and the plate, losing the warranties.

Good enough for me. (any doubts . store@toolsfromjapan.com -)

Bobski.