The Hitohira No.02 #4000 is a fine-grit Japanese sharpening stone designed for maintaining and finishing the edge after a coarser sharpening step. Its #4000 grit refines the edge, improves the cutting feel, and prepares a Japanese knife for more precise daily use.
This stone is well-suited as a finishing step for kitchen knives, particularly after using a medium-grit stone such as #1000 or #2000. It helps achieve a cleaner, smoother edge that feels gentler against food. It can be used on various steels, including both stainless and carbon, depending on the chosen sharpening progression.
In use, the #4000 grit offers a smoother and more controlled feel than a basic stone. It is suitable for regularly maintaining an existing edge, reviving a slightly dull knife after an intermediate step, or improving the finish before moving on to leather. However, it is not intended to repair chips or restore a completely dull edge: these tasks require a more abrasive stone.
For maintenance, it is recommended to use the stone on a stable surface, keep the surface damp during sharpening, and let it air dry completely after use. Like any water stone, it may require periodic flattening to maintain a smooth and effective surface.
Dimensions 212 x 75 x 25 mm