Yes. I strop. 1000 then 4000 water stone to hone then strop on leather over mdf charged with green compound. By all measures it makes my edges sharper. and its cheap to boot. I could go buy an 8k then 12k stone for $200 or more.. Or spent $20 on brick of compound the will last damn near forever and a piece of scrap leather and mdf. I may get a finer stone one day but i don't find it necessary and appreciate budgeting funds toward other shop needs for now. And the bottom line is my tool edges are plenty sharp as is.