I hadn't heard of the Taidea until this thread. I did a search for it on amazon and there are favorable reviews, and not so favorable. The one thing I can say, is that Norton and Shapton have a large following here. If you got stuck and inquired of guys on this forum, not too many could speak to the characteristics of that stone. Many of us know the Norton and Shapton. Check out the reviews on amazon and see what you think.