Like your father's whetstone

I was really pleased with this whetstone-- firstly because it is the proper size-- it's big enough to easily sharpen large chef's knives and other longer blades.  I was shocked when shopping for a whetstone just how tiny they've become.  You need a good amount of surface to be able to draw the blade along and this one is big and heavy, just like you want it.  Also it comes with silicone grip and a bamboo wood encasement which makes it look really nice as well as hold it in place while you work.  It has 2 sides, which are perfect, 1000 for shaping and 6000 grit for honing.  It also came with a nice flattening stone and a grippy polishing cloth which wipes away the debris.  Considering how many stones I shopped for and how few that were as nice and big are in this price range-- I can confidently recommend this stone.  It will last for years and it looks really nice.  Unless you're out fishing or on a short camping trip, don't bother with mini-whetstones, get one like this to do all your household blades.  It will probably last the rest of your life for all your sharpening needs.