Suehiro has been producing sharpening stones in Niigata Prefecture since 1932, and the Cerax line sits at the center of what makes the brand worth recommending — consistent, reliable stones that perform well across a wide range of steels and skill levels. For anyone getting serious about sharpening, a quality combination stone is the most practical first purchase, and this 1K/3K set gives you the two grits that do the most work in a typical sharpening session.
The 1K side handles the heavy lifting — reprofiling a neglected edge, removing chips, or setting a new bevel on a knife that has lost its geometry. The 3K follows to refine that edge, smoothing out the scratch pattern left by the coarser grit and bringing the blade to a clean, functional sharpness suitable for most kitchen tasks. Both stones measure 185mm by 65mm, a standard size that accommodates most knife lengths comfortably. The 1K stone runs slightly thicker at 16mm versus 13mm for the 3K, reflecting the heavier use the coarser side typically sees over time. The box the set ships in doubles as a stone holder during sharpening, which keeps the setup stable and contained without needing a separate fixture. A small nagura is included for raising a slurry on the stone surface or cleaning the face between uses.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers consistently describe these stones as an excellent value and a satisfying introduction to water stone sharpening. Beginners appreciate the accessible learning curve and find the sharpening process enjoyable even before technique is fully dialed in. More experienced users note that the stones produce a good slurry and respond well with regular flattening and attention from the included dressing stone. A few users mention that the combination box system works best at a sink or with a dedicated water source given how much slurry the stones generate, and suggest that those who already own a stone holder may prefer purchasing the individual Cerax stones separately. The consensus on edge quality is consistent — sharp results and strong performance for the price.
Care Instructions: These are water stones — soak each side for 5 to 10 minutes before use to ensure the surface is fully saturated. Do not leave them submerged for extended periods, and allow them to dry thoroughly before storing. Keep the stones flat with regular lapping to maintain consistent sharpening results over time. Store in a dry location away from freezing temperatures.
The 1K side handles the heavy lifting — reprofiling a neglected edge, removing chips, or setting a new bevel on a knife that has lost its geometry. The 3K follows to refine that edge, smoothing out the scratch pattern left by the coarser grit and bringing the blade to a clean, functional sharpness suitable for most kitchen tasks. Both stones measure 185mm by 65mm, a standard size that accommodates most knife lengths comfortably. The 1K stone runs slightly thicker at 16mm versus 13mm for the 3K, reflecting the heavier use the coarser side typically sees over time. The box the set ships in doubles as a stone holder during sharpening, which keeps the setup stable and contained without needing a separate fixture. A small nagura is included for raising a slurry on the stone surface or cleaning the face between uses.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers consistently describe these stones as an excellent value and a satisfying introduction to water stone sharpening. Beginners appreciate the accessible learning curve and find the sharpening process enjoyable even before technique is fully dialed in. More experienced users note that the stones produce a good slurry and respond well with regular flattening and attention from the included dressing stone. A few users mention that the combination box system works best at a sink or with a dedicated water source given how much slurry the stones generate, and suggest that those who already own a stone holder may prefer purchasing the individual Cerax stones separately. The consensus on edge quality is consistent — sharp results and strong performance for the price.
Care Instructions: These are water stones — soak each side for 5 to 10 minutes before use to ensure the surface is fully saturated. Do not leave them submerged for extended periods, and allow them to dry thoroughly before storing. Keep the stones flat with regular lapping to maintain consistent sharpening results over time. Store in a dry location away from freezing temperatures.
- Brand: Suehiro
- Series: Cerax
- Location: Niigata, Japan
- Grits: 1000 and 3000
- Stone Dimensions: 185mm x 65mm
- 1K Thickness: 16mm
- 3K Thickness: 13mm
- Type: Water Stones
- Includes: Stone holder box, nagura
Reviews
8 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Very SatisfiedPosted By: Jon B
67 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my first set of water stones for sharpening my first Japanese knife and I must say, I'm impressed! As a beginner, I was not able to achieve a scary sharp edge on my knife, but I attribute this to my inexperience and not having perfected my hand movements yet. Despite not being able to create a burr, the process of sharpening with these stones was a real pleasure. It took me 15 minutes but I am hopeful that with practice, I will be able to sharpen my knife more efficiently. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and look forward to honing my skills with these stones.
67 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my first set of water stones for sharpening my first Japanese knife and I must say, I'm impressed! As a beginner, I was not able to achieve a scary sharp edge on my knife, but I attribute this to my inexperience and not having perfected my hand movements yet. Despite not being able to create a burr, the process of sharpening with these stones was a real pleasure. It took me 15 minutes but I am hopeful that with practice, I will be able to sharpen my knife more efficiently. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and look forward to honing my skills with these stones.
Get the Separate StonesPosted By: James
69 people found this review helpful
Giving it three stars mainly for the system. I got the combo thinking it would be a great one piece solution, and was thinking of recommending it to a friend just starting out.
My main issue with it is the plastic that separates the grits sticks out too far. This impedes your hands, in my view. I just don’t want it there. The setup seems to be great on paper as it holds the stone, has a top, can hold water in the bottom to soak the other side, holds a small dressing stone in bottom, and has feet for the counter. The plastic sticking out is kind of integral to keep the prodigious amount of slurry from getting to the other side. But it interferes.
The other thing about the system is the plastic seems quite brittle. The top is also loose. The stone does sit pretty securely on a surface for sharpening with the rubber feet. But I wouldn’t count on it to be put in a tool box unless you protect it and rubber band the top. The plastic is not like the Shapton Pro boxes, which can take some impact and are not going to crack with a little jostling in a tool box. Those little boxes make better sharpening stands too imo. Part of the reason they’re popular with woodworkers.
The other thing you is these are very messy stones. Whether that’s good or bad is up to your preference. It does mean you really want to use it over a sink or a container where there’s lots of water available. This is where the combo system just seems to make it harder on a table. Because you have to pick up the whole thing with it’s nearly 1/2 inch lip around the stone and rinse it under a faucet.
That plastic lip also makes it impossible to lay the stone on its side to dry. On one end there’s a hole to hang it, but you’re going to need a thin hook that sticks out from the wall a bit. A thin metal coat hanger upside down would work.
If you want to try the Cerax stones you can get the small 1000/3000 combo that comes with a minimal rubber base. It’s $20-30 depending who’s selling it. I didn’t realize it was the Cerax till i got this large combo. I really like that little one for pocket knives, and omg, you can get right up to the side.
I don’t recommend this setup for beginners. Before getting it I thought it would be near perfect. Plus the Cerax needs attention with the included dressing stone, and then the flattening. You’re going to go through some stone on the 1k because it’s relatively soft.
Experienced people know enough to either be bothered by the system and move it on, or they’re not bothered. They get lots of stones. To me it’s like when you sharpen and there’s something on the counter that you don’t hit with your hand, but it’s close enough to annoy you so you have to move it. With this Cerax combo system you’re stuck with it.
Get the separate stones, it’s a more enjoyable experience.
69 people found this review helpful
Giving it three stars mainly for the system. I got the combo thinking it would be a great one piece solution, and was thinking of recommending it to a friend just starting out.
My main issue with it is the plastic that separates the grits sticks out too far. This impedes your hands, in my view. I just don’t want it there. The setup seems to be great on paper as it holds the stone, has a top, can hold water in the bottom to soak the other side, holds a small dressing stone in bottom, and has feet for the counter. The plastic sticking out is kind of integral to keep the prodigious amount of slurry from getting to the other side. But it interferes.
The other thing about the system is the plastic seems quite brittle. The top is also loose. The stone does sit pretty securely on a surface for sharpening with the rubber feet. But I wouldn’t count on it to be put in a tool box unless you protect it and rubber band the top. The plastic is not like the Shapton Pro boxes, which can take some impact and are not going to crack with a little jostling in a tool box. Those little boxes make better sharpening stands too imo. Part of the reason they’re popular with woodworkers.
The other thing you is these are very messy stones. Whether that’s good or bad is up to your preference. It does mean you really want to use it over a sink or a container where there’s lots of water available. This is where the combo system just seems to make it harder on a table. Because you have to pick up the whole thing with it’s nearly 1/2 inch lip around the stone and rinse it under a faucet.
That plastic lip also makes it impossible to lay the stone on its side to dry. On one end there’s a hole to hang it, but you’re going to need a thin hook that sticks out from the wall a bit. A thin metal coat hanger upside down would work.
If you want to try the Cerax stones you can get the small 1000/3000 combo that comes with a minimal rubber base. It’s $20-30 depending who’s selling it. I didn’t realize it was the Cerax till i got this large combo. I really like that little one for pocket knives, and omg, you can get right up to the side.
I don’t recommend this setup for beginners. Before getting it I thought it would be near perfect. Plus the Cerax needs attention with the included dressing stone, and then the flattening. You’re going to go through some stone on the 1k because it’s relatively soft.
Experienced people know enough to either be bothered by the system and move it on, or they’re not bothered. They get lots of stones. To me it’s like when you sharpen and there’s something on the counter that you don’t hit with your hand, but it’s close enough to annoy you so you have to move it. With this Cerax combo system you’re stuck with it.
Get the separate stones, it’s a more enjoyable experience.
WORKED GREAT! cerax stone A good set of stones Veracity Excellent buy
Not their best productPosted By: Natty
14 people found this review helpful
As much as I love Suehiro stones, I was pretty unimpressed with the quality of this combo stone. It wore down very quickly and did not sharpen as efficiently or effectively has a King combo. I would advise anyone considering this stone to purchase a CERAX 1000 instead--it'll get your knives sharper faster and last longer.
14 people found this review helpful
As much as I love Suehiro stones, I was pretty unimpressed with the quality of this combo stone. It wore down very quickly and did not sharpen as efficiently or effectively has a King combo. I would advise anyone considering this stone to purchase a CERAX 1000 instead--it'll get your knives sharper faster and last longer.
