Though they’re most frequently used to sharpen cooking knives, these sharpening stones by King, the renowned Japanese stone maker, are great for sharpening and finishing virtually any edged tool. Made in Osaka, Japan, they come in three different versions. Designed for all-purpose sharpening, the 1,000-grit stone should be soaked in water for 3 to 5 minutes prior to use. The 6,000-grit stone, which is mixed with natural stones to give it a more natural texture, is designed for finishing purposes. It should only be lightly coated with water before use. The double-sided stone, made for professional use, features a combination of both the 1,000-grit and 6,000-grit stone. All three versions come situated on a plastic base fitted with rubber feet.