Griff . Think about some of the blades they produced and kept sharp, cutting folks in half with one strike. ( did I really watch that). Mate this water stone is GOOD. Not soft at all. As above, I have all the self made boxed oil stones, the 3 in one and loads more besides. All my gralloching gear I do with a diamond stone. Nice edge on most blades but as you know we all have our favourites and stick to them. My advice to this fella would be to take his knife to the local butcher who will grind and hone it for him then all he has to do is keep an edge on it. Just my opinion. Jok.