Suehiro "Ouka" Finishing Whetstone #3000

The Suehiro "Ouka" #3000 Whetstone, sometimes (incorrectly) known as Rika #3000, has the same great feel and smoothness of the Rika 5K, but cuts a bit faster. The #3000 stone is an in-between grit that is probably not needed if you already have a 1K and 5K or 6K whetstone, but can serve as a bridge stone between a 1K and 8K whetstone. 

The biggest benefit a #3000 whetstone serves, is it can be used for those who like to touch up their knives daily, or every 2-3 days.  Starting your sharpening on a 1K whetstone is fine for relatively dull edges, but if your knives are fairly sharp, going on a 1K whetstone more than once a week would wear the knife down faster than necessary. Carry on the Rika lineage within the Suehiro professional family, the "Ouka" Whetstone #3000 offers great durability, reliability and sharpening satisfaction. 

Made in Japan

Spec:

• Origin: Niigata, Japan
• Grit No.: #3000
• Type: Soaking
• Dimension: 206 x 73 x 23mm (8.11 x 2.87 x 0.91")
  
• Weight: 630g (22.2oz)
• Material: Ceramic
• Grit Material: White Aluminum Oxide
• Base: Without Base (3000-DN)
• Includes a Nagura for adjusting
• Note: Suehiro no longer print the label directly on the surface of the stone. It now comes with a label made of cellophane film.
• Japanese Name: 末広「黄華」

How to use:

Pre-soak for between 5-10 minutes before use, and apply water on surface during sharpening when needed.  Rinse and wipe dry with a hand towel when done, and allow air dry at room temp. Do not leave in water.

How to clean:

If the stone’s performance is slowing down, or seems to be diminishing, you can clean using a rust eraser, nagura stone (included), dressing stone, or a flattening plate. Be sure to clean the entire surface of the whetstone when using any of these methods to ensure even wear of the whetstone’s surface.