The #1000 grit stone is the most popular stone available and we would argue the most versatile as well. Considered a medium grit stone it can be used to both put a new edge on one's knife or with gentle hand pressure can be used to achieve a nicely polished, refined edge that's super sharp.
Suehiro's Cerax line of stones are one of the most reputable synthetic stones available. They have wonderful feed back, Develop a beautiful slurry, cut fast, stay flat a long time and they're effective with any type of steel; what more can we say. We use the Cerax line to sharpen all the knives that come into the shop to be sharpened and we love them. Each stone includes a rubber stand that will keep the stone from sliding around on what ever surface you're working on and a Nagura stone (dressing stone) which will help pull steel out of the stone as it gets clogged up.
For best results soak your stone in room temperature water for 10-15 minutes before use or until the stone stops bubbling and water pools on top of the stone.
