Made from heat-treated blue synthetic sapphire crystals in a ceramic bond, they cut quickly yet leave a very fine finish. They absorb water readily and hold it well, leaving a thin layer of moisture on the surface to keep them biting without glazing. The resulting edges are not only shaving-sharp, but downright "tacky" with slicing aggression. Finer than any of the other scythe stones we offer, but no less rapid in their honing action. The medium-hard bond allows the stone to be used with firm pressure if desired, and to resist gouging when used to hone dinged or rolled edges.