The WoodCraft PHIG is pretty good. I got one from them and I have been very pleased. It is a hard, slow cutting stone, but it leaves a great edge. I used 220g w/d paper for the initial flattening and then went up until it was smooth. For the money, you can't beat it. I can understand why guys who hone lots of razors don't like it, as it takes a LONG time, but if you're like me and only have a few razors, it's not bad. Now, with that said I have been drooling over the naniwa 12k, and am looking to acquire one of those as soon as I can so who knows? I may have a completely turned around opinion of the PHIG in a few months..........