Combination Water Stone 400/3000 Grit

400 Grit Side Constantly Glazes

I read some reviews about Pride Abrasive water stones being fairly hard stones and I've found this to be true. I initially purchased the 1000/6000 grit combo stone and loved it (5/5 stars) so I figured I'd get this set to round out my collection. I've tried using this stone for flattening the backs and sharpening both new and old plane irons and chisels. The 400 grit side of the stone is so hard it only cuts a few passes before becoming glazed. Once glazed, it does nothing but polish the metal. No slurry forms on the surface of the stone whatsoever. I use a Pride Abrasive carbide flattening stone to flatten my other water stones and when I use the flattening stone on the 400 grit side, it's completely ineffective. it feels almost as if I'm rubbing two carbide stones together -- zero friction and completely smooth feeling with no slurry. The only way I can get the 400 stone to cut is to rub it with my 1000 grit stone first. Even then the stone only cuts for a few passes before becoming completely smooth. I followed the directions that came with the product to the letter as well as following general water stone sharpening instructions. I've tried soaking the stone over night, soaking for only 10 minutes, and just dampening the stone. I've tried using the stone under a steady drip of water, I've tried using the stone with a dry surface (meaning no puddles of water on the surface after soaking). I've tried light pressure and heavy pressure. I simply cannot get this stone to cut. I now reach for the 1000 grit stone to flatten all my tools since it's far more effective than this 400 grit stone. The 3000 grit side works fine, as well as all other Pride Abrasive stones I've tried. I recommend Pride Abrasive products but I absolutely do not recommend the 400 grit stone.