Tom Blodgett of Jende Industries demonstrates the Chosera stones available for the KME Sharpener. In terms of guided sharpening systems, the KME is one of the best systems on the market. With the Chosera stones now available for it, it adds a whole new level of versatility. There is a nice surprise at the end, so please do enjoy the video in its entirety. 🙂

In this video, I prepared the initial edge on this knife with the stock KME diamond plates at 22 degrees per side, and then used the 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K Chosera stones.

There are 8 Chosera grits in all:

400, 600 & 800 are best for initial profiling, repairs and make great transition stones from the stock KME diamond plates. These stones leave an aggressive, toothy edge. The 800 leaves a very good “working” edge.

1K, 2K, 3K are best suited for maintenance and light repair. These stones refine the edge that is on par, and often better than more traditional sharpening levels. The 1K is an excellent “working” edge, and the 2K and 3K leave an edge that easily slices, but still has a little “bite”.

5K & 10K stones are truly polishing stones – they take the sharp from the 1K, 2K, and 3K and polish/refine the edge even further – these are the game changing grits. The knife will slip effortlessly through things, and yes, you can shave your face directly off the 10K. It is a great platform from which to continue on to even higher finishes using the strops and compounds available for the KME.

You can find the KME Sharpener and Chosera stones on the KME website, and the Choseras for the KME are also available from Jende Industries, LLC.

Naniwa Chosera Water Stones have long been trusted by knife enthusiasts, woodworkers, and professional sharpeners for their consistent performance. Available in 1×4 KME and 1×6 formats, these premium Japanese water stones provide a complete sharpening solution for guided sharpening systems and freehand sharpening.

Although the two versions differ in size, both use the same Chosera stone material and deliver the same cutting performance, feedback, and edge refinement.

What Are 1×4 KME Chosera Water Stones?

The 1×4 KME Chosera Water Stones are designed specifically for the KME Guided Sharpening System.

These premium Japanese water stones cut efficiently while providing smooth feedback throughout the sharpening process. They are suitable for maintaining kitchen knives, outdoor knives, pocket knives, and other edged tools where precise edge control is important.

Their compact size makes them an excellent fit for KME users who want to build a complete sharpening progression.

Do KME Chosera Stones Need to Be Soaked?

Yes. The 1×4 KME Chosera Stones are soak-type water stones.

Before sharpening, soak the stone in water for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the surface to become fully saturated, improves cutting performance, and helps reduce glazing.

During sharpening, simply add water as needed to keep the surface lubricated.

Available Grits for 1×4 KME Chosera Stones

The KME Chosera lineup is available in several grit sizes, including:

• 400
• 600
• 800
• 1000
• 3000
• 5000
• 10,000

This range allows users to build a complete progression, from bevel setting and edge repair to fine polishing and finishing.

What Are 1×6 Naniwa Chosera Water Stones?

The 1×6 Naniwa Chosera Water Stones use the same premium abrasive material as the 1×4 version but are manufactured in a larger format.

They are commonly used with sharpening systems such as:

• Jende JIGS
• Edge Pro
• Other 1×6 guided sharpening systems
• Freehand sharpening

The additional length provides more working surface, making them well suited for larger blades and users who prefer longer sharpening strokes.

What’s the Difference Between 1×4 and 1×6 Chosera Stones?

The primary difference is size.

The 1×4 Chosera Stones are designed for compact guided systems like the KME, while the 1×6 Chosera Stones fit larger guided sharpening systems and are also suitable for freehand sharpening.

In terms of abrasive composition, cutting performance, and finish, both versions are identical.

Do 1×6 Chosera Stones Need to Be Soaked?

Yes.

Like the 1×4 version, the 1×6 Chosera Stones perform best after a 5 to 10 minute soak. This prepares the binder and stone surface for sharpening.

Avoid leaving the stones submerged for extended periods, as prolonged soaking may weaken the bonding agent over time.

Build a Complete Sharpening Progression

Whether you choose the 1×4 KME Chosera Water Stones or the 1×6 Naniwa Chosera Water Stones, both provide the same sharpening performance in different sizes.

With grit options ranging from 400 to 10,000, these stones allow users to progress from edge repair and bevel setting through refinement and final polishing. Selecting the appropriate size depends on your sharpening system, while the stone itself delivers the same consistent cutting action and edge quality across both formats.