Spyderco - Tri-Angle White Sharpening Stone with Ultra-Fine-Grit for Professional-Grade Finishing and Polishing - 204UF1

I am a big fan of the Spyderco Sharpmaker system. I have used the Lansky system, a random crockstick system, Japanese water stones, ceramic/glass stones (like the Shapton), oil stones and Arkansas stones. I haven't used the Edgepro and some of the higher-end systems. Regardless, truth be told, I have drank the Spyderco kool-aid and love it, my knives are laser sharp in much less time than my second favorite system, which is a progression of water and Shapton stones followed by felt/leather strop with chromium oxide.So that said... I had the Sharpmaker basic kit for a while, and was reading about these ultrafine stones. The fine stones already got my better knives to pop hairs right off my arm, and my $30 Victorinox chef's knife will slice bread as well as any scalloped/serrated slicer, without crushing the bread at all and producing almost no crumbs. Veggies and chicken and other products simply don't stand a chance, every knife in my drawer will destroy them and stay sharp for weeks, even with heavy use on NSF plastic cutting boards. I've sharpened a few dozen knives and scissors and other implements for my friends, and they are amazed.So I'm reading about these ultrafine stones and had to try them out, see if they can get an edge polish equivalent to what I was achieving with much more time and effort on flat stones.Well, the hype is true. These are the real deal Holyfield. With a light touch these stones brought out a wicked sharp edge that is almost too eager to slice through anything within reach. Or maybe that's me. Just kidding. Actually, not. I had way too much fun shaving newsprint, push cutting through corrugated cardboard, making paperthin cucumber wafers, shredding my junk mail, slicing cleanly through rope, and trying out this new, sharp, durable edge on everything I could afford to have two of. hahaNow this all begs the question, do you need a knife this sharp? That's a personal decision. For utility work, I'd say probably not. For industrial work, be it cutting vinyl tile or carpet or something like that, yeah it would be useful. For a butcher or wood carver or something of that nature, yes. So it really depends on your blades and what you do with them. I do believe that I can polish the edge a bit more with felt or with micron paste on horsehide to strop, which is something you would want with, say, a straight razor, which can basically never be "too sharp," as the sharper it is the less effort and pressure required.For less than an additional $30 to an already outstanding system that's under $50, I think it is money well spent. Fact is most people won't use these ultrafine stones on most of their knives all too often, so they'll last forever.Downsides? Well I certainly wouldn't drop one, as I am guessing they shatter quite easily. I do like how they are sold individually, so if one chips or breaks on you, can you replace just the one. They are easy to clean and come in a little plastic packing tube (mine did) with end caps to protect it.Some people might have a tough time getting the stone into their Sharpmaker base. Try reversing it. One side is painted red (on mine). Put that end into the base.Hope it helps!

Added versatility to the Spyderco sharpening system stock offerings.

Good sticks.

This Ultra Fine stone is a Great addition to the Sharpmaker. This Ultra Fine stone achieves razor sharp edges on sharp knives that have already gone through the 4 step Sharpmaker system. This Ultra Fine stone isn't necessary to achieve Very Sharp edges but if you want a razor sharp edge, this is what you need.

You have to really pay attention and hit the angle. If not you might undo the progress you made

I have the Sharpmaker and the white stone that comes with it give all knifes a nice sharp edge. This stone brings it to the next level.There is a very noticeably difference when used - knifes are razor sharp when used properly. Could shave with my Delica if I wanted.Only ordered one and it will become a "pain" to use in the future, so will be getting another for use in the Sharpmaker. Glad I read the reviews as it lives up to them. never was I able to get a knife this sharp. I am not great at it is why I got the Sharpmaker kit and this stone just adds to the positive experience. No longer fear or hate getting a blade sharp - now razor sharp with ease.Update 12.18 - got the second stone to make it a little easier. Went on a "if it has a blade, going to sharpen it" binge. Scissors, kitchen knife's and all my pocket and EDC's. The EDC utility that I use most often (Spyderco), I found that if it starts to get a little less sharp - give it a couple of passes with these stones and I am back to razor sharp. Very little effort to get it back. Never had a pair of Scissors this sharp - I just followed the instructions in the book. Again - worth the total cost of the kit and extra stones.

Spyderco Ultra Fine Triangle StoneAlthough the actual "grit" equivalency for the Ultra Fine stones are hotly debated, I couldn't tell a significant difference from touch versus the Spyderco Fine triangle stones that are included in the Triangle Sharpmaker kit. That said, when using the stones, the Ultra Fine does seem to be smoother to the touch of a blade versus the Fine stones. I couldn't really find an instruction set for the Ultra Fine stones, so I used them as a "third stage" with the medium and fine grit stones that are included in the Sharpmaker kit.First off is the quantity. The stones are sold individually, so one must purchase 2 of the stones for each Sharpmaker kit. They are shipped in a clear tube to prevent damage. I noticed that my stones came with small chips which could be felt with a blade as I used them. I scrubbed the two stones together to smooth it out and it seems to have helped. These are extremely hard ceramic stones with an equivalent grit of at least 2000 or higher. They are very easy to use with the Sharpmaker kit and will give that razor-like edge to most blades.I used the Ultra Fine to put the finishing touches on a Spyderco Tenacious, a meat cleaver, pocket knife, and a letter opener. The Sharpmaker kit worked well enough on its own, but the Ultra Fine put that extra fine razor edge on the blades. Some people may not care about this part, so the standard Sharpmaker kit should suffice for most users.Overall: 5/5 stars, works as advertised, but not quite mandatory for everyone.