Short answerCoarse stones (about #80 to #400) repair chips, medium stones (about #600 to #2000) do the actual sharpening, and finishing stones (about #3000 to #6000) polish the edge. A home cook needs a medium stone first; a finishing stone is a nice second step.
Grit numbers measure how fine the abrasive is: the higher the number, the finer the stone and the smoother the edge it leaves. Tojiro groups synthetic stones like this:
Tojiro's advice is that one medium stone handles most everyday re-sharpening. For home use it also recommends a combination stone with a medium side and a finishing side. Keep a coarse stone for the day a knife gets chipped.
| Model | Grit | Abrasive | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tojiro F-433Check price on Amazon | #1000/#3000 | Fused alumina | 230 x 65 x 30 mm (9.1 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) |
| Tojiro F-431Check price on Amazon | #1000 | Fused alumina | 230 x 65 x 30 mm (9.1 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) |
| Tojiro F-432Check price on Amazon | #220/#1000 | Silicon carbide + fused alumina | 230 x 65 x 30 mm (9.1 x 2.6 x 1.2 in) |
| Global CERAX 1010Check price on Amazon | #1000 | Ceramic (made by Suehiro) | 205 x 73 x 23 mm (8.1 x 2.9 x 0.9 in) |
| Global CERAX 6060Check price on Amazon | #6000 | Ceramic (made by Suehiro) | 205 x 73 x 28 mm (8.1 x 2.9 x 1.1 in) |
| Global CERAX 404Check price on Amazon | #320 | Ceramic (made by Suehiro) | 205 x 73 x 50 mm (8.1 x 2.9 x 2.0 in) |
Scroll the table sideways. Figures are from official maker specs (check dates are on each product page).
A two-sided home stone: #1000 to sharpen, #3000 to refine the edge. One stone covers the whole routine for a home cook.
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).
A single #1000 medium stone in Tojiro's slim home size. Tojiro says one medium stone handles most everyday re-sharpening.
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).
A coarse #220 side for repairing nicks and reshaping, plus a #1000 side for normal sharpening.
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).
Global's #1000 medium stone, made by Suehiro, with a rubber base so it stays put on the counter.
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.
A #6000 finishing stone. Global says to use it after the CERAX 1010 to finish the edge.
Good forYou already have a #1000 and want a finer edge.
Watch outIt is your first stone (start with a #1000).
A coarse #320 stone. Global says it is for repairing chipped or nicked blades, not for routine sharpening.
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.