Waterstones, as their name implies, are suitable only for use with water as a lubricant. They faster than oil stones but they also wear more quickly. Arkansas and India stones require oil as a lubricant. They cut more slowly than waterstones but much wear longer. The choice is largely a matter of preference. Both perform well.

Chris Pye Signature Series

These sharpening stones are specially developed with Master Woodcarver - Chris Pye for sharpening wood carving tools. Since new gouges are not always sharpened efficiently, these slip stones have been configured to fit the sweep of carving tools properly. They are produced with four different profiles to create an exceptional inside bevel or remove any burrs - making the carving tool more effective. Together with the benchstones, this is the perfect combination of tool sharpening stones.

Additional information about Chris Pye's Signature Line of sharpening stones can be found in his article Chris Pye Signature Slipstones