Atoma Diamond Sharpening Plates can be used in place of Whetstones and Natural Sharpening stones. They do tend to take more material, so it is recommended that you only use light pressure when using them.

The Atoma #600 can be used to replace whetstones from the 500-800 grit range. This grit range of whetstones can be considered coarse sharpening stones and will bring a dull knife back to life, unfortunately, they also wear faster. The Atoma 600 is the perfect option, you gain the equivalent of a coarse whetstone that will last a lot longer and you never need to flatten it.

There is a second use for these diamond plates as they maintain their flat profile and that is to flatten whetstones and Natural sharpening stones. All whetstones and Natural stones will cup over time from use but by using the Atoma plates you can flatten any irregularities after each use. If you want more information have a look at –

Sharpening Japanese Kitchen knives and Woodworking Tools.