Hosco TL-NC4800C Cerax by Suehiro Ceramic stones No.6000/1000, size 183x63x28mm, complete set

The Hosco TL-NC4800C is a high-quality Japanese sharpening set containing:

• dual sharpening waterstone with grits 6000／1000, size 183×63×28 mm
• storage box water tank
• Nagura stone accessory

The New Cerax double sided sharpening waterstone is made by Suehiro, a known Japanese stone manufacturer. Cerax waterstones are made of hard ceramic particles for very fast sharpening action and long life. Thanks to their hardness it maintains the flat shape during sharpening. This stone offers a dual-sided design with a 6000-grit side for very fine honing and sharpening and an 1000-grit side for medium sharpening, making it ideal for a wide range of knives, chisels and plane blades. It is designed to sharpen both carbon steels or hard alloy chromium/vanadium steels. The stone generous thickness ensures it will last you a long time.

The included storage case doubles as a water tank. This design allows the stone to remain stable during sharpening, as the top half of the stone is used while the bottom half is immersed in water, making the process more efficient and convenient​.

The set also includes a small Nagura stone, which serves three purposes:

• to create a sharpening slurry on sharpening stone surface,
• to refresh the stone’s surface before use, and
• to help fine polish the blade

Ultra-sharp tools are essential for woodworking. Hand sharpening with wetstones is recommended, even if you sometimes use a sharpening machine, as it removes less steel from your tools. While machines are faster for very dull tools, hand sharpening is often more efficient and helps to preserve your tools.

What if my blade is very damaged or rusty?

If your blade is very damaged, extremely dull, or rusty, you should first prepare it using a coarser stone with a grit below 600, such as grit 320, before using this waterstone. Check out our other Japanese Cerax stones for options.

A coarser stone will easily:

• Remove significant amounts of material from tool steel
• Repair chipped edges
• Modify existing blade angles
• Remove rust from old blades

Only after this preparatory work should you proceed with sharpening and honing using this stone.

When to use grit 1000?

The 1000-grit stone is ideal for:

• Touching up and regular edge maintenance
• Refining the edge after using coarser grits below 600

In many cases, sharpening with grit 1000 will provide a sufficiently sharp edge.

When to use grit 6000?

For an ultra-smooth, razor-sharp finish, complete honing with a stone of grit 6000.

Remember, honing should only be done after you have sharpened the knife with medium grit stones, such as 800 or 1000.