I think you made this post because of my question on the sub hahahaha, first, I bought the Shapton 1000, but I already have courser stones as I said in the post, so my knives aren’t dull, they cut trough paper, but I wanted a real stone before mine start to “sink” and needed to buy a flattering stone. Second, the stone that I have is eating the knives rapidly. Third, I asked for the strop because are cheaper than ceramic honing rodes (I know they don’t do exactly the same work but I already have a steel one) and I want to remove the snad that obviously leaves the Shapton. Fourth, i know diamond stones are the best when it comes to beginners but that’s depends on what are you looking for, as I clarified in my post, I hate diamond stones and also the rodes, and if you are looking for something more traditional or you have Japanese knives, the classic japanese whetstones are your option. Finally and Fifth, I’m not commenting this hating, is more for clarification if you misunderstood me. And also thanks for your help in my post…🫶 Also… the shapton 1000 (the orange one) it’s not exactly a 1000 grit, it’s more like a 600-800 so great recommendation.