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Japanese Water Stones
These waterstones are manufactured by King,
Takenoko, and others from a variety of fused abrasives which create a porous,
friable surface. This is important since, as the tool is rubbed on the stone,
the particles of abrasive are rounded and dulled. Unfortunately with oil
stones, the particles are tightly bound together, producing a dulled surface
which greatly reduces cutting speed. On the other hand, the water stone's
porous, friable surface keeps fresh, sharp abrasive constantly exposed on the
surface, thus accelerating and optimizing the cutting effect.