Benchstones are mainstays in any woodworking shop. These diamond stones from Lansky Sharpeners come in two sizes (2" x 6" and 2" x 8") and five grits - extra coarse, coarse, medium, fine and ultra fine.

The stones come in high impact plastic cases that have a non-slip rubber over-mould, and four holes in the bottom of the case. The holes serve to drain off excess moisture, or you can use them to screw the bottom to a plywood base. Lansky uses a clever approach to the case by having the diamond stone bonded to the bottom side of the case lid.

The extra course stone cut very aggressively. We used it to shape some heavily used garden tools, an axe and an adze. It made quick work of putting a new edge on these tools.

The ultra fine stone would be more practical for use in a workshop. Unfortunately the top of the stone had a noticeable bow. Nonetheless, we were able to use it to put a next to mirror finish on a plane blade in no time.

We liked these stones, and assuming that the bow is due to a manufacturing defect, would have no reservation about using them in the future. At under $30 for a 2" x 6" stone they are quite reasonably priced.