Sharpening Stone Comparison Guide: Western Vs. Japanese Grits

Understanding How Grit Systems Compare

Grit numbers look comparable across sharpening stones, but they’re not universal. Western abrasives and Japanese water stones use different grading systems, so identical numbers don’t translate directly. 

Japanese stones follow the JIS scale. Many Western abrasives use FEPA or similar standards. Each system measures abrasive particle size differently, which is why a “1000 grit” stone in one system won’t match a “1000 grit” in another.

 This table shows approximate relationships between Western grit ranges and Japanese stone ratings. These are not exact conversions. They’re practical equivalents based on how abrasives in each system typically compare.

Use it as a reference point when you’re switching between systems or trying to understand where a stone falls in relation to what you already know.