King stones are the best value in Japanese water stones and a big step up from Chinese stones. King Deluxe or KDS are higher quality (harder, faster, bigger) than their budget stones.

King Deluxe 300 splasher for 23$. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0050ADA2U

King KDS 1000/6000 is their "Deluxe" (harder, faster, bigger) combo for 32$: https://smile.amazon.com/Fuji-Merchandise-K-032-STONE-Brown/dp/B0034YR016

$20 strop with clever pyramid angle guide and green compound; same size as Japanese water stones. https://smile.amazon.com/SHARPAL-204N.../dp/B07WC1M411 SHARPAL 204N Leather Strop (Genuine Cowhide) 8" x 3" Kit with 2 Oz. Polishing Compound & Angle Guide...

Pro sharpener uses $1 paver brick for stone lapping and sharpening platform: https://youtu.be/RjF6d3QQ6ho?t=375 Knife Sharpening by Joe at Tower Knives Osaka, Japan. samspunker