The Imanishi 1000/6000 Combo Water Stone is one of the best sharpening values we carry and an excellent choice for cooks who want a simple, effective sharpening setup. This Japanese whetstone gives you two essential grits in one stone: a 1000 grit side for sharpening and edge repair, and a 6000 grit side for refining and polishing the edge to razor sharpness. For many home cooks and professional chefs alike, this combination provides everything needed to maintain extremely sharp kitchen knives.
Made in Japan by the respected Kyoto sharpening stone manufacturer that also produces our popular Shibata Bitey Finisher stone, this full-size combination stone offers a smooth, forgiving sharpening feel that many users quickly grow to appreciate. Both sides of the stone have a balanced hardness that provides good control without feeling overly soft or overly hard. The surface feels smooth while still cutting efficiently, making it a comfortable stone for beginners while still delivering excellent results for experienced sharpeners. Edges finished on the 6000 grit side tend to be both very sharp and impressively durable, holding their bite through extended kitchen prep.
The generous size of the stone provides a comfortable sharpening surface, while the dual-grit design saves both space and money compared to buying separate stones. Whether you are sharpening your first Japanese knife or maintaining a full knife roll, this stone is a reliable and affordable choice that performs well across both carbon steel and stainless steel kitchen knives.
Care Instructions: Soak the stone in water for about 5 minutes before use. During normal use the stone will slowly dish, so flatten it periodically with our 140 grit diamond flattening plate to keep the surface true. After sharpening, rinse the stone and allow it to air dry completely. Do not store the stone in an unheated space where freezing temperatures could cause cracking.
Brand: Imanishi Type: Combination Water Stone Grit: 1000 (Grey Side) / 6000 (White Side) Stone Size: 205mm x 77mm x 36mm Use: Sharpening and polishing kitchen knives Origin: Japan
Made in Japan by the respected Kyoto sharpening stone manufacturer that also produces our popular Shibata Bitey Finisher stone, this full-size combination stone offers a smooth, forgiving sharpening feel that many users quickly grow to appreciate. Both sides of the stone have a balanced hardness that provides good control without feeling overly soft or overly hard. The surface feels smooth while still cutting efficiently, making it a comfortable stone for beginners while still delivering excellent results for experienced sharpeners. Edges finished on the 6000 grit side tend to be both very sharp and impressively durable, holding their bite through extended kitchen prep.
The generous size of the stone provides a comfortable sharpening surface, while the dual-grit design saves both space and money compared to buying separate stones. Whether you are sharpening your first Japanese knife or maintaining a full knife roll, this stone is a reliable and affordable choice that performs well across both carbon steel and stainless steel kitchen knives.
Care Instructions: Soak the stone in water for about 5 minutes before use. During normal use the stone will slowly dish, so flatten it periodically with our 140 grit diamond flattening plate to keep the surface true. After sharpening, rinse the stone and allow it to air dry completely. Do not store the stone in an unheated space where freezing temperatures could cause cracking.
Reviews
25 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Best combo stone out there Posted By: Ryan Rhodes
8 people found this review helpful
I've been using this stone for about 5 months now and I have to second other's opinions that this is the best combo stone I've ever tried. First off it's a full size stone, not some little cheap combo stone you normally run into. I would classify both sides as neither hard nor soft, kind of right in the middle. Both sides feel quite similar to me. They aren't gritty feeling stones in the slightest for me; quite the opposite. It's always hard to describe the feel of a stone but they feel very smooth and forgiving to the point that you aren't sure it's actually cutting even though they most certainly are. Feedback is adequate if not quite as responsive as some of the better stones out there. My favorite thing about this stone is the edge it leaves. I've noticed quite consistently that edges finished on this stone are very durable and long lasting compared to edges finished on some other stones that actually deliver an initially slightly sharper edge . It may be a quirk in my technique or something but I though it was worth mentioning. I've used a lot of different stones over the years and this a nice stone once you make friends with it, especially for a combo stone. Highly recommend.
8 people found this review helpful
I've been using this stone for about 5 months now and I have to second other's opinions that this is the best combo stone I've ever tried. First off it's a full size stone, not some little cheap combo stone you normally run into. I would classify both sides as neither hard nor soft, kind of right in the middle. Both sides feel quite similar to me. They aren't gritty feeling stones in the slightest for me; quite the opposite. It's always hard to describe the feel of a stone but they feel very smooth and forgiving to the point that you aren't sure it's actually cutting even though they most certainly are. Feedback is adequate if not quite as responsive as some of the better stones out there. My favorite thing about this stone is the edge it leaves. I've noticed quite consistently that edges finished on this stone are very durable and long lasting compared to edges finished on some other stones that actually deliver an initially slightly sharper edge . It may be a quirk in my technique or something but I though it was worth mentioning. I've used a lot of different stones over the years and this a nice stone once you make friends with it, especially for a combo stone. Highly recommend.
Great quality and service Quality for price Posted By: John Sayre
4 people found this review helpful
I received it today and immediately soaked it fir 30 minutes and got to sharpening. It came very straight and you could tell it was flattened. For the money I dont think there's a better combo stone out there. Especially for the size and money. It's not super hard but it's hard enough and has a good cut to it even with hard carbon steel. I highly recommend.
4 people found this review helpful
I received it today and immediately soaked it fir 30 minutes and got to sharpening. It came very straight and you could tell it was flattened. For the money I dont think there's a better combo stone out there. Especially for the size and money. It's not super hard but it's hard enough and has a good cut to it even with hard carbon steel. I highly recommend.
Imanishi Stone Very good stone Posted By: Blong
4 people found this review helpful
Yes... for the price it's a very good stone...and yes it cuts better that the King Kds....but still love the king kds no matter what...the 6k side leave a 70% mirror finish....which is nice...buy it people you will not regret it. The the feedback and tactile feels really good you know what exactly what you're doing on the stone and the knife.
4 people found this review helpful
Yes... for the price it's a very good stone...and yes it cuts better that the King Kds....but still love the king kds no matter what...the 6k side leave a 70% mirror finish....which is nice...buy it people you will not regret it. The the feedback and tactile feels really good you know what exactly what you're doing on the stone and the knife.
Fantastic stone!Posted By: Pete
4 people found this review helpful
No combo like this around. Great feel and feedback, as well as value. I've seen some say this is a great "beginner" stone whatever that means. Definitely recommended for those who want a minimal collection. This thing is special.
4 people found this review helpful
No combo like this around. Great feel and feedback, as well as value. I've seen some say this is a great "beginner" stone whatever that means. Definitely recommended for those who want a minimal collection. This thing is special.
Imanishi two sided 1K 6K water stone good value stonesPosted By: Martin Rippel - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
This stone, both grits, have a good feel and effective abrasion attributes. The 6000 does tend to get bogged easily, but easily rinses clean. A great value if one needn't hone there knives too often.
5 people found this review helpful
This stone, both grits, have a good feel and effective abrasion attributes. The 6000 does tend to get bogged easily, but easily rinses clean. A great value if one needn't hone there knives too often.
A few weeks laterPosted By: Lionel Joyce
5 people found this review helpful
I have concluded that my reservations about the stone were due to my technique, not to any shortcomings on the part of the stone. Since I started all thinning, sharpening on a Cerax 320, so that I could slice paper right after the 320, I find the Imanishi totally adequate. The 1000 does its job, and I'm now really liking the buttery feel of the 6000. It does load up quickly but that's an easy fix. Just used the combo to thin down my new Tojiro ITK Nakiri and the edge on that is stunning.
5 people found this review helpful
I have concluded that my reservations about the stone were due to my technique, not to any shortcomings on the part of the stone. Since I started all thinning, sharpening on a Cerax 320, so that I could slice paper right after the 320, I find the Imanishi totally adequate. The 1000 does its job, and I'm now really liking the buttery feel of the 6000. It does load up quickly but that's an easy fix. Just used the combo to thin down my new Tojiro ITK Nakiri and the edge on that is stunning.
Good starter stone 6 years laterPosted By: Eric
4 people found this review helpful
I've had this stone since 2012, and used it around once a month. I don't have anything to compare it to, but here are my thoughts based on my experience:
The 1000 side is great, no complaints there.
The 5000 side is a bit soft, and I end up gouging it if I'm not super careful. It's possible I'm over-soaking it a bit, but it is annoying. In the end it still works, so not a huge deal.
Overall if I could do it over I'd get a couple Shapton Pro to have the convenience of splash and go, but for a combo stone this has done just fine. My knives are sharp, and there's enough meat left on the stone to last another 20 years at least (unfortunate, as I can't justify the shaptons when this one still works fine).
4 people found this review helpful
I've had this stone since 2012, and used it around once a month. I don't have anything to compare it to, but here are my thoughts based on my experience:
The 1000 side is great, no complaints there.
The 5000 side is a bit soft, and I end up gouging it if I'm not super careful. It's possible I'm over-soaking it a bit, but it is annoying. In the end it still works, so not a huge deal.
Overall if I could do it over I'd get a couple Shapton Pro to have the convenience of splash and go, but for a combo stone this has done just fine. My knives are sharp, and there's enough meat left on the stone to last another 20 years at least (unfortunate, as I can't justify the shaptons when this one still works fine).
Stone Great product, would recommend to everyone. Great product, shipping was immediate, would recommend to others Best bang for the buckPosted By: Leonardo - verified customer
7 people found this review helpful
This stone was bought as a replacement to my previous two sided king 1000/6000, I must say that I will never go back to king. this is a huge two sided wet stone, if you are familiar with cerax two sided this is both larger and wider, meaning that you will have more surface area of contact with your knife's edge=faster steel cutting and polishing. Cuts moderately fast, it doesn't wear out as easily as the King did, also the 1000 side has more mas to it than the 6000 and this is great knowing that lower grit wears out faster. I would definitely recommend this to any new or amateur or even perhaps an experienced sharpener to have in their repertory of wet stones.
7 people found this review helpful
This stone was bought as a replacement to my previous two sided king 1000/6000, I must say that I will never go back to king. this is a huge two sided wet stone, if you are familiar with cerax two sided this is both larger and wider, meaning that you will have more surface area of contact with your knife's edge=faster steel cutting and polishing. Cuts moderately fast, it doesn't wear out as easily as the King did, also the 1000 side has more mas to it than the 6000 and this is great knowing that lower grit wears out faster. I would definitely recommend this to any new or amateur or even perhaps an experienced sharpener to have in their repertory of wet stones.
Great Combo Stone Amazing stone nice stone; great customer service 1st dance with a water stonePosted By: Frank K - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
After spending many, many years sharpening kitchen knives on Arkansas stones, I bought the 1K/6K Imanishi combo stone. I checked both sides with a flattening plate and found the 1K side to be not quite flat, but the 6K side was flat. After flattening, I proceeded to have an enjoyable sharpening session. 1K/6K is an alright combo, but I believe I need to add something around 400 grit, and possibly something in the 3000 grit range. 1K to 6K seems to be a large jump to me.
5 people found this review helpful
After spending many, many years sharpening kitchen knives on Arkansas stones, I bought the 1K/6K Imanishi combo stone. I checked both sides with a flattening plate and found the 1K side to be not quite flat, but the 6K side was flat. After flattening, I proceeded to have an enjoyable sharpening session. 1K/6K is an alright combo, but I believe I need to add something around 400 grit, and possibly something in the 3000 grit range. 1K to 6K seems to be a large jump to me.
Casual cook Easy to usePosted By: Brett - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
I wanted to learn to sharpen and the Chefknivestogo forum people recommended I try this stone. It took a few practice sessions to get the hang of holding the knife at the correct angle and then I got good results! Thanks so much!
5 people found this review helpful
I wanted to learn to sharpen and the Chefknivestogo forum people recommended I try this stone. It took a few practice sessions to get the hang of holding the knife at the correct angle and then I got good results! Thanks so much!
Terrific Product Review Product ReviewPosted By: ER - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
For a combo stone, this is probably the best on I've ever used.Needs a bit of a soak time, but I generally just put it in to soak, and come back 30 minutes later and put it to work.Cuts steel well, and after 2+ months of sharpening all my knives at least twice a week, I've only had to flatten it once (and it was barely needing flattening). Probably could have went another two months without much noticeable difference in blade response.I'm anticipating having this one for several years to come.
4 people found this review helpful
For a combo stone, this is probably the best on I've ever used.Needs a bit of a soak time, but I generally just put it in to soak, and come back 30 minutes later and put it to work.Cuts steel well, and after 2+ months of sharpening all my knives at least twice a week, I've only had to flatten it once (and it was barely needing flattening). Probably could have went another two months without much noticeable difference in blade response.I'm anticipating having this one for several years to come.
