The Norton IM200 sharpening stone kit includes a set of three stones, each with a different grit level to handle various stages of sharpening.
First, you have the coarse crystolon stone, which is at about 120 grit. It's great for fixing up edges, dealing with nicks, or tackling really dull knives. This stone cuts quickly, so it's perfect for getting things started.
Next up is the medium grit stone, usually around 320 grit. It's pretty versatile and acts as a bridge between coarse and fine sharpening. It'll help hone the edge further after using the coarse stone, so your blades end up sharper and ready for more general cutting tasks.
Lastly, there's the fine india stone with a grit level of about 600. This one's for polishing and refining the edge to get that razor-sharp finish. Whether you're slicing a tomato or making neat cuts in meat, this stone can help make your knives super precise.
The stones are each 8 x 2 x 1 inches, suited for a range of knife sizes. They come mounted on a non-slip base, which helps keep everything stable while you’re sharpening.
As for the kit's plastic angle guides, our research shows mixed opinions. Some find them a bit tricky to keep steady, especially if you’re new to sharpening. With practice, though, or by checking out some instructional videos, you can definitely get the hang of it—or consider using different angle guides if needed.
Overall, the Norton IM200 stones offer a solid way to get your knives sharpened, honed, and polished. There's a bit of a learning curve, sure, but with practice, they can really enhance your sharpening game.
