Originally Posted by
RayClem
If you want to compare a variety of sharpening stones, one of the best places to do so is. SharpeningSupplies.com
They sell a variety of synthetic waterstones from Naniwa, Shapton, Norton, Suehiroa, and their own private brand. They also sell diamond plates and a variety of honing pastes and other sharpening supplies. I found them to be an excellent source when purchasing many of my hones. However, even if you purchase from another source, the site is a good source of information.
The Naniwa Traditional series is the least expensive of the Naniwa stones. The S1 line and S2 line are identical in composition, but the S2 stones are thick enough to hone on the edge of the stone if you wish. The S1 stones are half as thick as S2, so they are less expensive. The P3 Professional stones are equivalent to the Chosera line that is often the stone of choice of those who hone a lot of razors. However, if you only plan to hone your own razors, it may not be worth spending money for a Professional stone. They are harder and last longer, but you only need the coarser stones when setting the bevel and going through the full progression. Most of the time you will be using very fine grit synthetic hones or natural stones to maintain your razor. I have not had to use my coarser stones in several years.
If you plan on using your hones to maintain knifes as well as razors, then you might get more use out of the coarser grits.