>>239169same guy you're talking to here
I own waterstones from 300# to 6000# and honestly, I would not recommend them.
Not because they're not good, they're fantastic at what they do, really, simply a 1000#/3000# combo stone will go miles for you!
BUT
They are expensive, they need taking care of, especially the higher grits, they get scratch marks quite easily (which you then have to even out, etc.) and using them correctly takes quite some practice (over the course of which you might ruin an edge or two)
they are generally NOT outdoor friendly (need to soak em in water, cant leave them on rough surfaces, NOT shock-resistant)
Don't get me wrong, if you love your knives really sharp (especially good kitchen knives) and you are the sort of person who has the patience to learn and use them correctly, then by all means, go for it.
But if you just want something that'll sharpen your knives, get something cheaper.
