[bobtheman]

I was using my new bester japanese stone 1200 on a homemade plank that ended up being to small for the container I was using it over - and I dropped the stone a few times onto the hard counter I was sharpening on. I am wondering how durable these things are? It didnt crack or break but, is it common that they do?

 

[millionsknives]

They're fragile.  I would say you got lucky, don't make a habit of it

 

[foody518]

I have 2 chipped edges on my Bester 1200. Try and be more careful with it

 

[mike9]

A good reason to own a diamond flattening plate is to relieve all 12 edges on your stones.  Square edges are fragile and can transmit shock.

 

[ron wood]

Any Japanese Water stone will wear, as part of the stone becomes a slurry. I

 use a Triple with 2 Arkansas stones.  They last, but the Waterstones are a quicker (but expensive) sharpen. An Arkansas will tend to last FAR longer.

HARD stones will tend to be a bit brittle.   Keep that in mind.