Stone Stage - Heavy or Light

I have the original heavy stone holder and have used it for around a year. When you first see the stone the first thing you notice is how nice the fit and finish is. The first thing you notice when you pick it up is how heavy and solid feeling it is.

I don't have the Nanohone pond or sink bridge so I haven't used it with the button securing it in the middle. Using it with a metal sink bridge that has a smooth surface to rest stone holders on it has never once slipped on me. Even when wet, or covered in slurry/swarf from previous sharpening. It will migrate overtime and you may need to move it back. But it wont just slip on you if you apply too much pressure on it.

The height of the stage is great. Giving you great clearance if you have big hands or an awkward shaped tool/knife you're sharpening. Slapping it down on the counter and not having to worry about smashing your knuckles is very satisfying.

Even after leaving it covered in water and wet slurry for days it hasn't rusted. Nor has the finish worn away from being covered in abrasive. It's a great piece, and if you're buying the stones I would highly recommend the stone stage to go with them.

This one doesn't rust if you look at it funny like many cheap chinese holders or require adjusting knobs. It also isn't a cumbersome annoyance to clean.
-No moving parts
-No sliding around
-No way it's deteriorating
-No issues with low clearance either. The plates/stones once attached sit dead flush against the side of the stage to boot. Just... Fantastic.!

Even better, You can purchase extra aluminum backing plates and adhesive pads direct from Nano Hone to use whatever stones you want with the Stone Stage. Obviously it works perfect with my Nano Hone stones, just plop them onto the two mounting pegs and go to town. If you buy any of their stones you owe it to yourself to get this with them. Enough said. Two thumbs way up!

Sharpening enthusiast for 15 hrs. The stone stage is aesthetically and functionally incredible. I have transitioned my composite and Japanese naturals to Nano plates. Sound and simple solution to all my sharpening needs. I have also found the Nano Hone stones quickly replacing my old favorites. Outstanding set of products.

I am very impressed by the build quality of the stone stage. Machined from a solid billet of aluminum, it is hard anodized. Swarf cleans up easily, and tolerances are tight. Stones are held securely in place during the sharpening process and are easy to seat.

My only (minor) criticism is that there is a slight lateral tippiness during lapping. The stage is tall in proportion to its width, and excessive force on the edge of the stone will make it come off its footing on the opposite side. A modicum of attention to lapping technique — keeping forces centered and not too heavy — resolves the difficulty. So don’t let this quibble put you off the purchase.

Overall, an outstanding product. Highly recommended.

I am a full time professional edge maker. I sharpen in salons, barbershops, homes, or anywhere I am needed. The stage is an immovable object that provides and incredible base of support. My stones no longer slide around, and I am no longer fighting various bridges and systems to hold and support my stones. The stage along with the backing plates are an essential piece of my kit, and I will never be caught without it.