NL-10 Lapping Plate

I have used the NL-8 for about the last 4 years and recently got myself another NL-10 a couple months back.

NL-8:
I have abused the NL-8 by flattening rough-sawn japanese natural stones (with about 8mm deep ridges) and the NL-8 has proved to be able to handle even such ridiculously uneven surfaces. After about 3-4 years of doing so, the NL-8 only went out of flat slightly. I sent it back to be reconditioned and it has come back quite promptly like brand new, ready for more usage.

NL-10:
Having this as a comparison, I understand why the NL-8 was discontinued. This plate is significantly more substantial in heft, area and ease of use. The diamond-infused buttons kept on cutting whatever I threw at them (including diamond stones). I would also say that this plate doesn't remove more than the necessary material. When the sharpening stones are incredibly rough/uneven, it will remove the high spots super quickly. However, when they are somewhat flat, the NL-10 removes material at a slower rate (still a very decent speed) because of how uniformly flat the plate is. Hap Stanley has also done his due diligence in stating that the NL-8/NL-10 works best for stones around 400 grit and above. I have tested this and verified this to be true.

In summary:
The NL-8/NL-10 are both very well-made precision plates able to remove as much material as you can throw at them. This isn't a cheap flattener by any means, but the ease of mind it provides by being precision flat is worth it in my opinion. If used under normal circumstances, it will last forever. If abused, it will still do the job for years. It is good that we know it can be sent back for reconditioning after years of abuse (for a fee).

Given its low rung on the Nanohone flattening totem pole, I was concerned this would be a small ineffectual stone. Boy was I wrong. It’s long and strong, and gets the job done!

Fantastic product.
Does exactly what I want it to do and keeps my stones flat.

use it everyday about 5 times a day. Holds up well and flattens ceramic stones quickly

This cuts and flattens stones with ease. I use it on Hap's stones 400 Grit + and my naniwa stones. It feels substantial in the hand due to it's size and weight. I like being able to place it on the stage or flatten from the top down by hand.

I'm sure this will last a very long time.