The Naniwa Lobster series is Naniwa's entry-level waterstone line - full-sized stones at a price that makes it easy to build out a progression without committing to premium stones at every grit. The 220 grit sits at the coarse end of the lineup, designed for the kind of work where you need to move metal quickly: dull edges that have been neglected for too long, minor chips, and establishing bevels on knives that have lost their geometry. It is not a maintenance stone - it is a problem-solving stone that you reach for when a finer grit would take too long.
The Lobster line uses a softer bond than Naniwa's Chosera Pro range, which means it releases abrasive particles more readily and builds a slurry quickly. At 220 grit that softness is actually useful - it keeps the cutting surface fresh and aggressive through the session, which is what you want when your primary goal is metal removal. The stone requires soaking before use, in the traditional waterstone manner - submerge until the bubbles stop, about five minutes, and it is ready. Full-size dimensions at 210 x 65 x 30mm give you a proper sharpening surface that works with standard stone holders. Made by Naniwa in Vietnam, which is how they keep the price at a level that makes coarse grit accessible to everyone.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer gave it five stars and called it a great starting point - noting it is on the softer side but kicks up a burr quickly, works well on both carbon and softer stainless steels, and is exactly the right first step for dull knives and minor chip repairs. That is the precise use case this stone is built for, and it delivers on it.
Care Instructions: Soak in water until bubbles stop before each use - approximately five minutes. Flatten regularly with a diamond plate to maintain a true surface; the softer bond means this stone dishes faster than harder stones and benefits from more frequent flattening. Rinse after use and store dry. Handle with care - traditional waterstone construction is more fragile than glass-backed stones.
The Lobster line uses a softer bond than Naniwa's Chosera Pro range, which means it releases abrasive particles more readily and builds a slurry quickly. At 220 grit that softness is actually useful - it keeps the cutting surface fresh and aggressive through the session, which is what you want when your primary goal is metal removal. The stone requires soaking before use, in the traditional waterstone manner - submerge until the bubbles stop, about five minutes, and it is ready. Full-size dimensions at 210 x 65 x 30mm give you a proper sharpening surface that works with standard stone holders. Made by Naniwa in Vietnam, which is how they keep the price at a level that makes coarse grit accessible to everyone.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer gave it five stars and called it a great starting point - noting it is on the softer side but kicks up a burr quickly, works well on both carbon and softer stainless steels, and is exactly the right first step for dull knives and minor chip repairs. That is the precise use case this stone is built for, and it delivers on it.
- Brand: Naniwa
- Series: Lobster
- Origin: Made in Vietnam
- Grit: 220
- Use: Soak before use (approx. 5 minutes)
- Bond: Soft
- Stone Dimensions: 210 x 65 x 30 mm (8.25 x 2.5 x 1.18 in)
- Item Number: NAJ-502
Care Instructions: Soak in water until bubbles stop before each use - approximately five minutes. Flatten regularly with a diamond plate to maintain a true surface; the softer bond means this stone dishes faster than harder stones and benefits from more frequent flattening. Rinse after use and store dry. Handle with care - traditional waterstone construction is more fragile than glass-backed stones.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great place to startPosted By: Larry Johnson
32 people found this review helpful
If you have a dull knife, this stone is a great starting point. It is on the soft side, but it kicks up a burr rather quickly. It works on carbon and softer stainless. This is my first 200 grit stone. It is a great starting place for dull knives and minor chip repairs.
32 people found this review helpful
If you have a dull knife, this stone is a great starting point. It is on the soft side, but it kicks up a burr rather quickly. It works on carbon and softer stainless. This is my first 200 grit stone. It is a great starting place for dull knives and minor chip repairs.
