First Impressions of Naniwa Pro/Chosera 800 and 3000 (Tojiro DP 170mm Santoku in VG-10)

The naniwa choseras are considered by many to be the epitome of sharpening stones. They are high end alumina splash-and-go stones with a high price tag. Fortunately, the Burrfection shop offers a combo set of the 800/3000 for a great price of $138 vs. $80 + $132 = $212 individually. A major part of how that bargain is reached is by reduced the overall thickness of both stones to 15mm on the combo compared to 20mm on the standard stones. Everything else is absolutely identical. They are very hard and long lasting so the reduced thickness will not be an issue for anyone other than true pro sharpeners that see 1,000s of knives per year.

Initial impressions on 60HRc VG-10 is very positive. The 800 speed lands between the King neo 800 and Nanohone 1K being closer to the King. The finish looks similar to the King, being a clean cloudy look and relatively fine. I've found with both of these stones that they give an edge that is similar to a heavy handed 1K while cutting A LOT faster. The feedback is definitely discernable but does not jump out at you while sharpening so you will have to pay attention.

The 3K cleaned up the 800grit scratches very easily and quickly. Similar feedback but proportionally less than the 800. Leaves a not quite mirror. It's similar to the Shapton Pro 5K with better feedback and slightly faster cutting while sacrificing burr reduction and polishing.

Overall its a great combo and the feedback, speed and hardness of the 800 make for a great sweet spot between the King Neo 800 and Nanohone 1K. I like the 3K but have to keep sharpening on it to develop a complete opinion.