Shapton RockStar 60206 medium, J1000 grit, 11 micron, sharpening stone

I upgraded to the Shapton RockStar 1000 after using a budget combo stone, and it’s been a game-changer for sharpening my kitchen knives (mostly Japanese VG-10 and German stainless). This 1000-grit ceramic stone is fast, easy to use, and feels premium. Performance: It sharpens quickly, turning my dull Santoku into a veggie-slicing beast in under 10 minutes. The edge is slightly toothy—great for everyday tasks—but I finish with a strop for razor sharpness. It handles both carbon and stainless steels well, raising a burr fast. Ease of Use: The splash-and-go feature is awesome—no soaking needed, just a quick rinse. It’s beginner-friendly, with good feedback for maintaining angles, and the included case doubles as a stable base. Some slurry builds up, but it’s easy to clean. Build and Durability: The stone is solid, with a sleek look and minimal wear after a month of use. It resists dishing better than softer stones, though you’ll need a flattening plate eventually. Value: At ~£50, it’s pricier than budget stones but worth it for the speed and quality. It’s a step up from the Kuromaku and feels like a pro tool. Drawbacks: The edge feels a bit coarser than a true 1000-grit, and you’ll need a flattening plate (extra cost). Not a big deal, but worth noting. Final Thoughts: The RockStar 1000 makes sharpening fast and fun. My knives are sharper than ever, and I love the no-fuss setup. It gets 4.5 stars—half a star off for the slight coarseness. Highly recommend for anyone serious about sharp knives!