So, the DMT DuoSharp Plus 8" Whetstone has this neat feature where each side serves a different purpose for sharpening. According to the manufacturer's description, one side has an extra-fine diamond grit rated at 9 micron / 1200 mesh. This is your go-to for polishing and refining your edges.

Basically, after you've done the main sharpening with a coarser stone, this side is perfect for that final touch to get your tools super sharp.

On the flip side, you've got the fine diamond grit, which is 25 micron / 600 mesh. This side is great for the earlier stages of sharpening, especially when you need to bring a dull blade back to life. Together, these sides make the DuoSharp Plus pretty flexible for sharpening all sorts of things, like knives and smaller tools.

From our research, it looks like folks really appreciate how quickly this whetstone can sharpen and maintain a consistent edge. Many people like using the fine grit to start with a dull blade and then switch to the extra-fine for a nice, polished finish.

Some users did mention that the side colors can be a bit confusing to tell apart, so it might help to mark them with a permanent marker for easy reference.

As for how to use it, you don't need any oils for this whetstone. You can keep things simple by using it dry or with a splash of water, which definitely makes the process easier. Plus, it comes with a stable base to keep it from slipping, giving you better control and safety while sharpening.

Although it might be a bit on the pricier side, people feel it's worth the investment for consistent and reliable results over time.

So, if you're looking for something versatile and easy to use, the DMT DuoSharp Plus 8" Whetstone could be a solid choice.

Using the DMT DuoSharp Plus 8" Whetstone takes a bit of patience, especially at the start. When you first use it, the surface can feel a little uneven, and you might notice your blade wobbling during sharpening. That's normal for diamond stones because they start with pretty sharp abrasive grains.

Don't worry, though—it gets smoother with regular use. In the beginning, you could see some odd scratch patterns on your knife due to the stone adapting to your sharpening style. It's helpful to use water while sharpening since it acts as a lubricant and can reduce these effects, making everything smoother.

From what we've gathered, after using the stone a few times, it becomes less abrasive and more consistent in cutting, which really enhances its performance. Many people mention that once it's broken in, it keeps blades super sharp very effectively.

The small holes on its surface may add to the initial uneven feel, but once you've passed this stage, you'll find it really durable and efficient.

So in short, starting out with this DMT whetstone requires a bit of time, but it's known for delivering great sharpening results eventually. Just hang in there, and you'll end up with a reliable tool for keeping your blades in tip-top shape.

When it comes to the durability of the DMT DuoSharp Plus 8" Whetstone, there's no specific lifespan mentioned by the manufacturer. But based on our research, people who have used it report that it holds up pretty well. Of course, like any tool, the diamond surface might show some wear if you use it a lot. That said, many folks still find it reliable for regular sharpening tasks.

If you're using it mainly for kitchen knives, it tends to last a good while. Just be aware that with a lot of use, there might be a slight dip in performance, but nothing too drastic. Some users also mention there's a bit of a learning curve in using it effectively. You'll want to practice keeping consistent pressure and angle while sharpening to get the most out of it.

Overall, the DuoSharp Plus is known for being sturdy and efficient, providing sharp and polished edges without too much hassle.

Just keep in mind that you might need to put in a bit of patience to really master using it to its full potential.