Simply the best stone to hone any okatsune shears or long blade cutters. Within just a couple of minutes I was able to sharpen my shears to the point they cut through paper again, just like the day I got them. I use my shears for everything from cutting grasses to shearing boxwoods and taxus, inevitably they see soil, sap and get gunked up, but after a pre clean up then sharpening, they are like brand new again, with the exception of handle wear and tear. If you're looking to have a high quality cutting edge, this is the tool, pricey, but well worth it. Not meant for grinding down nicks in blades or cuts in shovels or hand pruners, only for impecable fine sharpening along a lengthy straight edge. Be extra careful when you're done honing, 9 stitches on a palm of the hand, all for a slip of grip on a tool.