The Norton IM83 waterstone case is a durable black plastic carrying case with a handle and metal hinges, for compact storage, transport, and use of a set of waterstones, with a rotating axis to hold the stones in place, a reservoir compartment to keep stones moist, and a latched-on storage compartment. A compact, portable, custom sharpening kit can be created by installing waterstones.

In the upper compartment of the case, a three-sided rotating axis holds the stones firmly in place, protecting them against breakage. A watertight reservoir in the base of the upper compartment allows submersion of the unused stones, keeping them clean, moist, and ready for use. Rotating the axis brings the desired stone into position for sharpening. The latched-on lower compartment can store an additional waterstone, a flattening stone, or small tools.

The Norton IM83 waterstone case measures 9-1/4 x 16-1/2 x 7-3/4 inches (H x W x D), and the rotating axis accommodates three waterstones (not included), each measuring 1/2 x 8 x 3 inches (H x W x D). (H is height, the vertical distance from lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.)

Sharpening stones, or whetstones, are abrasive surfaces used to sharpen and hone the edges of steel cutting implements such as chisels, knives, scissors, hand scrapers, and plane blades. Sharpening is the process of creating or re-establishing a cutting edge by grinding away portions of the metal to adjust the angle of the edge and reform the shape. Honing removes small imperfections. Some sharpening stones are designed for use with a lubricating liquid, some can be used dry, and others can be used either wet or dry. When used with lubricating liquid, a sharpening stone can be called a waterstone or an oilstone, based on the lubricant required. Waterstones use water as the lubricant to develop a slurry, a thin paste of abrasive grains and water that sharpens and polishes blades in conjunction with the stone.

Norton Abrasives manufactures sanding, grinding, and polishing abrasives, and has been located in the United States since 1885. Norton, now a brand of Saint-Gobain, meets ISO 9000 and 14001 certification for quality and environmental management standards.