This water stone offers excellent performance and value, making it a popular choice as a finishing stone after setting the edge with a lower grit stone. It provides smooth, consistent feedback and refines edges quickly, leaving a clean and highly polished finish suitable for everyday kitchen knives. A short soak of five to ten minutes is recommended before use for best results.
The Suehiro Rika 5000 Grit Stone cuts faster than many stones in this range and is capable of producing a very refined, razor sharp edge with minimal effort. It is especially effective for maintaining well cared for knives, often requiring only a short sharpening session to restore performance. One important characteristic to note is that this stone retains moisture for a long time and must be allowed to dry fully before storage. Adequate airflow and patience are essential to prevent moisture related issues and keep the stone in good condition.
Care Instructions: Soak for five to ten minutes before use. Keep the surface wet during sharpening. Allow the stone to dry completely before storage. Store in a well ventilated area. Do not permasoak or store while damp.
Brand: Suehiro Model: Rika Stone Type: Finishing Water Stone Grit: 5000 Dimensions: 210 x 75 x 23 mm Use: Edge Refinement and Final Polishing
The Suehiro Rika 5000 Grit Stone cuts faster than many stones in this range and is capable of producing a very refined, razor sharp edge with minimal effort. It is especially effective for maintaining well cared for knives, often requiring only a short sharpening session to restore performance. One important characteristic to note is that this stone retains moisture for a long time and must be allowed to dry fully before storage. Adequate airflow and patience are essential to prevent moisture related issues and keep the stone in good condition.
Care Instructions: Soak for five to ten minutes before use. Keep the surface wet during sharpening. Allow the stone to dry completely before storage. Store in a well ventilated area. Do not permasoak or store while damp.
Reviews
18 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Its like the golden age of quality Posted By: Nathan
39 people found this review helpful
This stone is a trip. Upon opening the box I was met with a bunch of notes and instruction with drawn diagrams(Like when you would buy something in america 40 years ago). I translated it and its a full page of information on how to use this stone and different techniques.
The thank you letter and instructions are kinda nostalgic. Maybe its the amber yellow paper. Maybe its that they really do care about what they sell.
If you are looking to buy give it a try. In a pro kitchen 1k is a regular utility edge but I got a 5k for meats and dicing days. Ive never had a stone like this before. Its artificial but it feels like quarried stone. Wish the brick was actually green tho. Am confused on why its nicknamed the big green brick haha. Came with a rubber pad and small scoring stone.
I also bought the cerax 1k and if you are wondering... yes a ceramic and rika will work fine together. I would say unless you work in a michelin sushi restaurant or are making surgery blades then this stone is all the fine edge you need... At that point then get a 8k
39 people found this review helpful
This stone is a trip. Upon opening the box I was met with a bunch of notes and instruction with drawn diagrams(Like when you would buy something in america 40 years ago). I translated it and its a full page of information on how to use this stone and different techniques.
The thank you letter and instructions are kinda nostalgic. Maybe its the amber yellow paper. Maybe its that they really do care about what they sell.
If you are looking to buy give it a try. In a pro kitchen 1k is a regular utility edge but I got a 5k for meats and dicing days. Ive never had a stone like this before. Its artificial but it feels like quarried stone. Wish the brick was actually green tho. Am confused on why its nicknamed the big green brick haha. Came with a rubber pad and small scoring stone.
I also bought the cerax 1k and if you are wondering... yes a ceramic and rika will work fine together. I would say unless you work in a michelin sushi restaurant or are making surgery blades then this stone is all the fine edge you need... At that point then get a 8k
Excellent stonePosted By: Kyle Hyndman
26 people found this review helpful
I really like this stone. It feels a bit softer than other stones of a similar grit (Nano Home, Naniwa) but I really like it. I don’t know all the lingo but I think this stone gives good feedback and leaves a great finish.
26 people found this review helpful
I really like this stone. It feels a bit softer than other stones of a similar grit (Nano Home, Naniwa) but I really like it. I don’t know all the lingo but I think this stone gives good feedback and leaves a great finish.
Suehiro Rika is fantasticPosted By: Matt Jacobs - verified customer
43 people found this review helpful
This stone fully lives up to the hype. It seems very hard and I was worried it would not cut well. I was wrong this is very fast and leaves a great finished edge. Followed up with a quick strop and my knives are awesome.
43 people found this review helpful
This stone fully lives up to the hype. It seems very hard and I was worried it would not cut well. I was wrong this is very fast and leaves a great finished edge. Followed up with a quick strop and my knives are awesome.
Suehiro Rika 5KPosted By: Paul G. - verified customer
42 people found this review helpful
I really like this stone! I now have a 500 Shapton, a 2000 green brick, and now this 5K Rika. I am fairly new to sharpening and I can say that I am now happy with my results. I see a big difference between the Rika 5K and the shun 6K that I had before. I like the fact that I can call and speak to Mark and always get good suggestions/advice whether it's for knives, stones etc.
42 people found this review helpful
I really like this stone! I now have a 500 Shapton, a 2000 green brick, and now this 5K Rika. I am fairly new to sharpening and I can say that I am now happy with my results. I see a big difference between the Rika 5K and the shun 6K that I had before. I like the fact that I can call and speak to Mark and always get good suggestions/advice whether it's for knives, stones etc.
Suehiro rika 5k FantasticPosted By: Michael - verified customer
38 people found this review helpful
I used the forums and many reviews of this stone before purchasing and it did not let me down. Fantastic feel when sharpening and gives an edge like I've never experienced. I can't name another stone for the price that would perform similarly. Cannot go wrong.
38 people found this review helpful
I used the forums and many reviews of this stone before purchasing and it did not let me down. Fantastic feel when sharpening and gives an edge like I've never experienced. I can't name another stone for the price that would perform similarly. Cannot go wrong.
Really highly rated stone and i now know why It s very easy to use and givea great smooth feedback Great stone great price.Posted By: Tony B. - verified customer
42 people found this review helpful
Perfect for me as a new sharpener! The great feel inspires confidence. Worked wonders on my vg-max Shuns. Im choosing not to permasoak, though I heard it is an option. One negative: The cool Japanese writing and logos go away as soon as it hits the water.
42 people found this review helpful
Perfect for me as a new sharpener! The great feel inspires confidence. Worked wonders on my vg-max Shuns. Im choosing not to permasoak, though I heard it is an option. One negative: The cool Japanese writing and logos go away as soon as it hits the water.
Suehiro Rika 5KPosted By: Ray Wilson - verified customer
39 people found this review helpful
I researched hard and long for my first 5000 grit stone and after many positive reviews I went for the Sue.I find with about a 10 minute soak,it is ready to go. This stone is all I could ask for.It gives me good feed back and a nice satin polish.
39 people found this review helpful
I researched hard and long for my first 5000 grit stone and after many positive reviews I went for the Sue.I find with about a 10 minute soak,it is ready to go. This stone is all I could ask for.It gives me good feed back and a nice satin polish.
Suehiro Rika 5k is a Great Soaking StonePosted By: Bryan E. - verified customer
36 people found this review helpful
This stone is a great stone if you are fine with using a soaking stone. It feels buttery smooth, and I prefer it over the Chosera 5000 and over the Shapton Pro 5000. It will leave a mat finish that is near mirror polish. It is not as hard as the Shapton stone but cuts well even on super steels.
36 people found this review helpful
This stone is a great stone if you are fine with using a soaking stone. It feels buttery smooth, and I prefer it over the Chosera 5000 and over the Shapton Pro 5000. It will leave a mat finish that is near mirror polish. It is not as hard as the Shapton stone but cuts well even on super steels.
Smooth
Nice StonePosted By: Scott Walker - verified customer
43 people found this review helpful
I haven't had this 5K stone long enough to give it a thorough evaluation. So far, I like the feel and polish to the blades I have sharpened. Until I bought this Rika 5K I had been using a King S-1 6K. I like the feel of this 5K better even though the King also does a good job on polish and seems to be a little harder stone.
43 people found this review helpful
I haven't had this 5K stone long enough to give it a thorough evaluation. So far, I like the feel and polish to the blades I have sharpened. Until I bought this Rika 5K I had been using a King S-1 6K. I like the feel of this 5K better even though the King also does a good job on polish and seems to be a little harder stone.
Suehire Rika 5KPosted By: John - verified customer
35 people found this review helpful
This is just the stone I was looking for between my Kohetsu 2K and the Shapton Glass 6K. Terrific feedback, fast cutter and it leaves a very good finish. Easy to use. I highly recommend this stone.
35 people found this review helpful
This is just the stone I was looking for between my Kohetsu 2K and the Shapton Glass 6K. Terrific feedback, fast cutter and it leaves a very good finish. Easy to use. I highly recommend this stone.
Really smooth stonePosted By: Matt - verified customer
21 people found this review helpful
I love this stone. It only needs a short soak and it is sooo smooth. I use this stone in conjunction with the bester 1200 and I get really nice edges. I'm still learning, so I'm probably not even using this stone to its true potential yet.
21 people found this review helpful
I love this stone. It only needs a short soak and it is sooo smooth. I use this stone in conjunction with the bester 1200 and I get really nice edges. I'm still learning, so I'm probably not even using this stone to its true potential yet.
Smooth & Silky Stone Great feel!Posted By: David W - verified customer
40 people found this review helpful
This stone is extremely nice to use from a standpoint of feel and control. It also cuts improbably fast and leaves a very hazy finish for its rated grit (the 2k green brick leaves a shinier polish if worked with lots of mud) plus it's just hard enough for me to do edge leading work without worrying about cutting in to the surface. Edges off this stone are aggressive and a bit toothy, but very useful for blades that don't need to be super polished to do their job.The Rika 5k is a welcome addition to my progression and a very functional end point for pocket and kitchen blades.
40 people found this review helpful
This stone is extremely nice to use from a standpoint of feel and control. It also cuts improbably fast and leaves a very hazy finish for its rated grit (the 2k green brick leaves a shinier polish if worked with lots of mud) plus it's just hard enough for me to do edge leading work without worrying about cutting in to the surface. Edges off this stone are aggressive and a bit toothy, but very useful for blades that don't need to be super polished to do their job.The Rika 5k is a welcome addition to my progression and a very functional end point for pocket and kitchen blades.
Great for the $, but Thirsty and Long DryingPosted By: Jerry Denim - verified customer
38 people found this review helpful
Great 5k stone for the money. Quickly cuts and polishes to a razor edge. Me personally I don't need nor want any finer edge on my kitchen knives than what the Suehiro Rika 5K can deliver. For my well maintained kitchen knives a minute or two per side on this stone alone brings them back to a very refined hair-shaving edge. My only grip about this stone is that it seems really thirsty for a 5K. This stone needs a brief soak to work well, which is not an issue. Problem is I can never seem to get it dry. I put it back in the box after two weeks of air-drying and it still sogged the box and started growing little moldy spots. Next time I used it I left it outdoors, in the sun, on a kitchen towe,l on a steel mesh table for a full day to dry. I then wrapped it in a clean dry kitchen towel with another stone and put it away in a well ventilated area. Two weeks later I removed the Suehiro 5K and found it was damp and clammy with the same little mold spots starting to form. You will need a strategy and a well-ventilated storage space somewhere in your home to dry this stone. It really holds water for a long time.
38 people found this review helpful
Great 5k stone for the money. Quickly cuts and polishes to a razor edge. Me personally I don't need nor want any finer edge on my kitchen knives than what the Suehiro Rika 5K can deliver. For my well maintained kitchen knives a minute or two per side on this stone alone brings them back to a very refined hair-shaving edge. My only grip about this stone is that it seems really thirsty for a 5K. This stone needs a brief soak to work well, which is not an issue. Problem is I can never seem to get it dry. I put it back in the box after two weeks of air-drying and it still sogged the box and started growing little moldy spots. Next time I used it I left it outdoors, in the sun, on a kitchen towe,l on a steel mesh table for a full day to dry. I then wrapped it in a clean dry kitchen towel with another stone and put it away in a well ventilated area. Two weeks later I removed the Suehiro 5K and found it was damp and clammy with the same little mold spots starting to form. You will need a strategy and a well-ventilated storage space somewhere in your home to dry this stone. It really holds water for a long time.
