A reasonably fast splash-&-go sharpening stone. Speed is similar to one of Imanishi's other honing stones, the Arashiyama 6000, though it feels a little grittier (when you work up a little mud it feels smoother). The sharpening face doesn't dry up as fast as the Arayshiyama, so that's a plus. All in all, an effective stone at the 6000 range.