The course india is a very low grit stone. I think its supposed to be around 320 grit, and it eats at metal. I just dont want to use it too much without the right tips. otherwise I could be doing more bad than good. For my other Boker that I got to shave ready, the lowest I went was to my soft ark. So I haven't really used the course india stone up until now. I'm wondering if taping the edge will prevent some serious spine wear from this stone, it already has some, but this stone could add a lot more real quick. I'll see if I can find my camera to get some pictures up.