Short answerStart with the Tojiro F-433, a #1000/#3000 combination stone: #1000 to sharpen and #3000 to refine, in one stone. If you want the simplest start, a single #1000 such as the Tojiro F-431 is enough for routine sharpening.
Tojiro's guide to choosing a stone says a single medium stone in the #600 to #2000 range handles most everyday re-sharpening, and also recommends a home combination of a medium and a finishing stone. That is why a #1000/#3000 stone tops this list.
Fig. 1Weight
| Model | Grit | Size | Weight | Abrasive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tojiro F-433Check price on Amazon | #1000/#3000 | 230 x 65 x 30 mm (9.1 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) | 22.8 oz | Fused alumina |
| Tojiro F-431Check price on Amazon | #1000 | 230 x 65 x 30 mm (9.1 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) | 15.3 oz | Fused alumina |
| Tojiro F-432Check price on Amazon | #220/#1000 | 230 x 65 x 30 mm (9.1 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) | 21.7 oz | Silicon carbide + fused alumina |
| Global CERAX 1010Check price on Amazon | #1000 | 205 x 73 x 23 mm (8.1 x 2.9 x 0.9 in) | — | Ceramic (made by Suehiro) |
| Global CERAX 6060Check price on Amazon | #6000 | 205 x 73 x 28 mm (8.1 x 2.9 x 1.1 in) | — | Ceramic (made by Suehiro) |
| Global CERAX 404Check price on Amazon | #320 | 205 x 73 x 50 mm (8.1 x 2.9 x 2.0 in) | — | Ceramic (made by Suehiro) |
Scroll the table sideways. Figures are from official maker specs (check dates are on each product page).
Best first stone. Tojiro recommends a medium-and-finishing combination for home use.
Good forYou want one stone that sharpens and finishes. You sharpen a gyuto, santoku or petty at home.
Watch outYour knife is chipped (start with a coarser stone).
Simplest start. One #1000 medium stone, 435 g.
Good forYou want the simplest, lightest way to start. You only need routine sharpening.
Watch outYou want a polished, refined edge (add a finer stone later).
For dull or chipped knives. Coarse #220 plus #1000.
Good forYour knives are very dull or slightly chipped. You also sharpen older Western knives.
Watch outYour knives are already in good shape (the #1000/#3000 is a better match).
Best with a non-slip base. #1000, made by Suehiro for Global.
Good forYou own Global knives and want the maker's own stone. You want a stone with a built-in non-slip base.
Watch outYou want two grits in one stone.
Add-on for a finer edge. Use after a #1000.
Good forYou already have a #1000 and want a finer edge.
Watch outIt is your first stone (start with a #1000).
Repair only. #320 for chips and nicks.
Good forA knife has a chip or a nick to grind out.
Watch outEveryday sharpening (too coarse).
How we researched this We compiled the specs from official maker pages and Japanese-language manuals and spec sheets (checked 2026-10-25). We have not bought or tested every product ourselves. Makers update their listings, so please confirm on the official page before you buy.