First Impressions of Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800
The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 is a sharpening stone designed to put a razor-sharp edge on knives, tools, and other implements. As someone who has spent countless hours in the field maintaining the edge on everything from hunting knives to survival axes, I’m always looking for reliable and effective sharpening solutions. This stone promises to deliver a fine edge thanks to its 800 grit rating, making it a potential workhorse for my gear.
For years I struggled with maintaining a consistent edge on my blades in the field. Traditional sharpening steels were only marginally effective and bulky sharpening systems were impractical to carry. The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 seemed like a promising solution offering a balance between portability and effectiveness.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the stone’s substantial size. The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800‘s dimensions, 8″ x 2.75″ x 1″, felt perfect for handling a variety of blade sizes. The stone felt solid and well-made, suggesting good build quality.
I’ve used similar water stones from brands like Shapton and King, and while those are excellent, they often come at a higher price point. The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 was attractive because it offered a similar grit rating at a more accessible price of $55.95. Its size, paired with the promise of Pride Abrasive quality, made it an interesting option.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The stone looked and felt promising, but the true test would be its performance. I was eager to see if it could live up to its potential and deliver the sharp, consistent edge I needed for my outdoor and tactical gear.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 in my workshop, sharpening a well-used Gerber hunting knife. I thoroughly soaked the stone in water for about 10 minutes before beginning, as per standard water stone practice. The process was smooth and relatively quick.
The stone performed admirably, even when used during a humid day with condensation forming on the metal. The knife quickly gained a noticeable improvement in sharpness. It was easy to control the angle of the blade against the stone, producing a consistent grind.
After the first sharpening session, I noticed a slight discoloration of the water, indicating the stone was indeed removing metal from the blade. There were no unexpected issues. I did appreciate the clean sharpening experience, unlike oil stones that leave a greasy residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 has become a staple in my sharpening routine. I’ve used it on everything from pocket knives to hatchets, and it consistently delivers a refined edge. The stone still feels relatively flat and true.
The stone has held up exceptionally well, with no signs of cracking or chipping. It does require periodic flattening to maintain optimal performance, but that’s typical for water stones. Cleaning is straightforward: simply rinse it under running water and let it air dry.
Compared to some of the diamond sharpening plates I’ve used, the Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 offers a more refined finish. I have found the diamond plates to be faster, but they also leave a more aggressive edge. The water stone provides a superior edge for delicate tasks.
Breaking Down the Features of Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800
Specifications
The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 is specifically designed as a water stone with an 800 grit. Its dimensions are 8″ x 2.75″ x 1″, a size that balances ease of handling with ample sharpening surface. Manufactured by Pride Abrasive, it arrives boxed, ensuring protection during shipping and storage.
The 800 grit is ideal for refining an edge after using a coarser stone or for touching up moderately dull blades. The size of the stone makes it easier to sharpen longer blades without constantly repositioning. The fact that it’s a water stone means it utilizes water as a lubricant, preventing the blade from overheating and creating a slurry that aids in sharpening.
Performance & Functionality
The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 excels at refining and polishing edges. Its 800 grit is perfect for achieving a keen, smooth edge on knives, woodworking tools, and other cutting instruments. The stone cuts efficiently.
Its strength lies in its ability to produce a very sharp, polished edge without being overly aggressive. One area for potential improvement is the stone’s speed compared to diamond stones. It might take longer to achieve the desired sharpness on very dull blades.
Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It consistently produces a fine edge and is easy to use.
Design & Ergonomics
The stone’s rectangular shape provides a stable and comfortable surface for sharpening. The 8″ x 2.75″ x 1″ dimensions feel well-proportioned. The stone is made of a dense, high-quality abrasive material that feels solid in hand.
There is no real learning curve; anyone familiar with using sharpening stones will find this one intuitive. A beginner may need some guidance on proper technique, but the stone itself is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction and the relatively slow wear rate, the Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 should last for years with proper care. Regular flattening is required to maintain a perfectly flat surface. Cleaning is easy, only requiring a rinse under water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 comes simply as a boxed stone, without additional accessories. No customization options are applicable to this type of product beyond purchasing a base or stone holder separately.
It is compatible with any standard stone holder or base designed for stones of similar dimensions. The lack of included accessories keeps the price down and allows users to choose accessories that best suit their needs.
Pros and Cons of Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800
Pros
- Produces a very fine, polished edge.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Good size for sharpening various blade types.
- Relatively affordable compared to higher-end water stones.
- Durable construction promises a long lifespan.
Cons
- Requires soaking in water before use.
- Needs periodic flattening.
- Slower sharpening compared to diamond stones.
Who Should Buy Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800?
The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone who values maintaining a sharp edge on their tools. Woodworkers and knife collectors will also appreciate its ability to create a refined finish.
This product might not be ideal for those who need to quickly sharpen very dull blades or prefer the convenience of dry sharpening methods. Someone who needs to restore a severely damaged edge might want to consider a coarser stone first.
A must-have accessory would be a flattening stone or lapping plate to maintain the stone’s flatness. A non-slip base is also recommended to keep the stone stable during use.
Conclusion on Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800
The Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 is a solid and reliable sharpening stone that delivers excellent results. Its 800 grit rating is perfect for refining edges and achieving a keen, smooth finish. The stone is easy to use, durable, and offers good value for its $55.95 price.
The price is justified considering the quality of the edge it produces and its expected lifespan. Cheaper stones might not offer the same level of refinement or longevity.
I would definitely recommend the Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 to anyone looking for a reliable and effective way to maintain a sharp edge on their knives and tools. Its size, performance, and value make it an excellent addition to any sharpening kit. Invest in a Pride Abrasive Water Stone 800 today and experience the satisfaction of a perfectly sharpened blade.