This is a new whetstone for 2024. It is a little less hard than the Shapton Pro stones, but harder than the Shapton Glass. It is fast, on the level of the Shapton Glass. It seems finer than 2k but not quite 3k. The feedback is wonderful, velvety and then creamy as the blade nears completion. It is an excellent stone between the Shapton 1.5k and 5k.