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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIf you want one broadly useful recommendation, choose the Norton Waterstone starter kit. Its 220/1,000- and 4,000/8,000-grit waterstones cover repair, routine sharpening, finishing, and polishing, while the included flattening stone and stone cases solve two common beginner problems: maintenance and stability.
There is no universally best sharpening stone, however. A construction professional repairing a damaged chisel needs a different abrasive from someone maintaining a kitchen knife, sharpening hard modern steel, or polishing an already sharp edge. The eight products below are the genuine stones or stone systems from the cited hands-on review; the compact Smith’s Pocket Pal is discussed separately because its carbide and ceramic V-notches make it a portable sharpener rather than a true sharpening stone.
Product configurations, sellers, packaging, prices, and availability can change—particularly for marketplace listings. Treat the product details below as the tested configurations and verify the current listing before buying.
Quick comparison
| Recommendation | Type | Tested grit or range | Best for | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Waterstone starter kit | Aluminum-oxide waterstones | 220/1,000 and 4,000/8,000 | Best overall and the most complete beginner setup | Waterstones require soaking or wetting and periodic flattening |
| Amazon Basics Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone | Budget waterstone-style kit | Verify the current listing | Low-cost entry into manual sharpening | Marketplace configuration and included accessories may change |
| DMT diamond whetstones | Diamond plates | Verify the current set’s individual grits | Fast cutting, hard steels, travel, and low maintenance | Diamond plates feel different from soaking stones and can be less forgiving of excessive pressure |
| Kerye sharpening stone kit | Waterstone kit | 400/1,000 and 3,000/8,000 | Buyers who want accessories and a broad progression | Included cut-resistant gloves were too small for the tester |
| Shapton Traditional waterstone | Hard ceramic waterstone | 120 | Removing nicks and resetting a bevel | It is a coarse repair stone, not a complete sharpening progression |
| Shapton Kuromaku stones | Ceramic waterstones | 320, 1,000, and 5,000 | Fast, consistent sharpening with a hard ceramic set | Costs more than many aluminum-oxide alternatives and still needs eventual flattening |
| Masuta natural sharpening stone | Natural waterstone | Extra-fine honing stone | Enthusiasts seeking a natural-stone finishing experience | Expensive, less uniform, and unsuitable as a repair stone |
| Norton IM313 oilstone system | Three-stone oilstone system | 100, 150, and 320 | Large kitchen knives and a permanent oilstone station | About 18 inches long, and its 320-grit finish is relatively coarse |
Grit numbers are useful within a product family but are not perfectly interchangeable across waterstones, diamond abrasives, ceramic stones, and oilstones.
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The eight best sharpening stones
1. Norton Waterstone starter kit: best overall
The Norton Waterstone starter kit is the strongest all-purpose choice because it provides a practical progression rather than a single isolated grit. The kit contains two dual-sided aluminum-oxide waterstones: one with 220 and 1,000 grit, and another with 4,000 and 8,000 grit. It also includes a flattening stone. The protective cases double as nonskid bases, so the stones are supported while you work.
The progression is logically arranged. Norton identifies 220 grit for repairing damaged tools, 1,000 grit for the initial sharpening cut, 4,000 grit for finishing, and 8,000 grit for polishing. In practice, a very dull or damaged edge can begin on 220 grit, a normally dull edge can start around 1,000 grit, and the finer surfaces can refine the scratch pattern after the bevel is established.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Complete Knife Sharpening Stone Kit】You don't need to be a Pro to sharpen your blades, all you need is the right tools & technique. All the sharpening tools you need are here, one affordable set for you: 400/1000 & 3000/8000 grit whetstone; Coarse flattening stone; Non-Slip Bamboo base; Knife sharpening angle guide; Leather strop, a simple instruction manual about how to use and what does every component do.
- 【Dual Sided Whetstone】Our wet stone is made of highly durable and professional-grade corundum which is aluminum oxide. 400/1000 grit whetstone to sharpen dull knives, 3000/8000 grit whetstone combination is designed to make your knives razor-sharp & provide extra fine finish/polish on your blades. Coarse flattening stone to keep your whetstone flat all the time. Using the leather strop made of genuine cowhide leather to polish knife and removing burr after sharpening.
- 【Multipurpose】Our professional-grade knife sharpener kit is highly durable & long-lasting. Please choose the appropriate grit stone according to your knife blade. Our whetstone sharpens any blade out there: any kitchen knife set, chef knife, steak knife, santoku knife, paring knife, sushi knife, cleaver knife, Henckels knives, kitchen knives, Japanese knife, butcher knife, paring knife, BBQ knife, Hunting Knife, Pocket Knife, Scissor, straight razors!
This is the best recommendation for a beginner who wants to sharpen kitchen knives, pocket knives, chisels, and similar tools without immediately assembling a collection of separate stones. The trade-off is maintenance: waterstones wear and can dish, so the included flattening stone is not a decorative extra. Keep the stone surface flat, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for wetting, drying, and storage.
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The Amazon Basics Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone is the budget pick from the cited review. It is appropriate for a reader who wants to learn freehand sharpening without making the initial purchase expensive.
Because Amazon Basics listings and marketplace bundles can change, check the current product page for the exact grit combination, stone dimensions, holder, flattening accessory, and seller. Do not assume that every listing carrying a similar product name has the same contents. The current configuration should also determine whether this is a sensible first purchase or whether the apparent savings disappear after adding a stable base and a flattening solution.
A budget stone can work well, but technique and edge condition matter more than the label on the box. Use a medium grit for routine maintenance of an already serviceable edge; do not expect a single budget medium stone to remove large chips, repair a broken tip, or replace a full coarse-to-fine progression.
3. DMT diamond whetstones with bamboo box: best diamond option
The DMT diamond whetstones are the best choice here when fast cutting, portability, hard-steel compatibility, and low-maintenance setup matter more than the feel of a traditional waterstone. DMT describes its manual sharpeners as diamond-based tools for sharpening, honing, lapping, and deburring hard materials.
Diamond stones do not require the soaking routine associated with many traditional waterstones. That makes them useful in a workshop, on a jobsite, or anywhere a wet stone and drying area are inconvenient. They are also a sensible option for users who regularly encounter harder steels that can make softer abrasives feel slow.
The six-inch stones in the tested recommendation arrive with a bamboo box. Confirm the current set’s grit labels and dimensions before ordering, since a diamond set is only as versatile as the progression it provides. Use light, controlled pressure: pressing hard does not necessarily sharpen faster and can make edge control more difficult.
4. Kerye Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Kit: best complete kit
The Kerye sharpening stone kit is aimed at buyers who want the most accessories in one package. The tested configuration included 400/1,000- and 3,000/8,000-grit surfaces, a knife guide, leather strop, bamboo holder, flattening stone, and cut-resistant gloves.
Rank #2
- No oil needed, just put the stone into water for 10-15 minutes before using and they are ready to use. You can always adding water on it while sharpening, with water the lubricating effect of grinding will be great and helps you to save strength
- One stone, unlimited professional knives. whetstone are compatible with all kinds of knives, including Chef knife, Hunting Knife, Pocket Knife,Japanese knife, butcher knife, paring knife, BBQ knife, Scissor, Chisel, Blade. Also works for hatchets, axes, carving and gardening tools
- Made with superior silicon carbide, the 400 grit side is suitable for any daily sharpening, such as repairing the knives with big cutting edges, and polishing the knives, the 1000 grit side will help you to make the knives more smooth after using the 400 grit
- This grindstone made of white corundum is quicker in pulping and high in self sharpening. When the white corundum grindstone is grinded, the new edges and corners will come up very fast, and the self sharpening property is good. Therefore, the grinding wheel dressing is not very frequent, and the work efficiency can be improved
- Come with two 7x2.2x1.1inch sharping stone for beginners and a quick user guide of all the great tips for sharpening knives, also can be a great idea for household gifts
In the cited test, Kerye was among the fastest non-diamond options and produced a polished edge after stropping. The 400-grit surface gives it more repair capability than a kit built only around a 1,000-grit stone, while the 3,000- and 8,000-grit surfaces provide a route to a smoother finish.
There is an important qualification about the safety equipment: the gloves were too small for the tester. Treat them as an included accessory, not proof that the kit supplies a correctly fitting glove for every user. Measure or buy suitable protective equipment separately, secure the stone in its holder, and keep fingers out of the blade’s path.
5. Shapton Shaptonstone Traditional Waterstone: best Japanese coarse stone
The Shapton Traditional waterstone is a specialist choice for serious repair work. The tested stone is a hard ceramic 120-grit stone measuring approximately 8.25 by 2.75 inches. Its plastic case doubles as a stable base.
In the cited test, the stone was presoaked for five minutes and used to remove nicks and reset bevels. That is exactly where a 120-grit abrasive earns its place: significant metal removal before a finer stone takes over. It is not intended to leave a finished kitchen-knife edge. After repairing the damage, move to a suitable medium and finishing stone.
Shapton now sells several product families, including Traditional, GlassStone, and RockStar lines. Do not treat specifications for a newer Shapton family as specifications for this tested traditional stone. Confirm the product family, soaking instructions, and supplied case before purchase.
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The Shapton Kuromaku stones provide a compact three-step ceramic progression: 320, 1,000, and 5,000 grit. Each tested stone came in an individual plastic case that also served as a nonskid base.
The set produced sharp results in under 10 minutes in the cited test when the tester used all three grits. Its hard ceramic construction gives it a consistent, durable feel and makes it attractive to users who want a fast setup without managing long soaking periods. It is particularly appealing for a workshop where repeatable sharpening matters.
The price is higher than that of many aluminum-oxide alternatives. The stones also do not remain perfectly flat forever. Shapton emphasizes that stone surfaces change shape with use, so plan for a flattening stone or diamond lapping plate as part of long-term ownership. The set is a strong choice for someone who values speed and hardness, but not necessarily the lowest initial cost.
7. Masuta Natural Sharpening Honing Stone: best natural stone
The Masuta natural sharpening stone is for the enthusiast who wants a natural-stone honing and polishing experience rather than an economical all-purpose sharpening system. It is an extra-fine natural waterstone intended for an edge that is already sharp.
Rank #3
- WHETSTONE KNIFE SHARPENER — NO SKILL, NO GUESSWORK Most people avoid whetstones because holding the correct angle is intimidating. The included angle guide locks your blade position automatically — making professional knife sharpening practically idiot-proof, even on your first try. No oil needed, no mess, no guesswork.
- SHARP PEBBLE TECH — STAYS FLAT 3X LONGER THAN CHEAP STONES Bargain whetstones dish, crack, and leave rough inconsistent edges fast. Our sharpening composition cuts faster, stays flat longer, and won't chip on arrival. One whetstone knife sharpener kit that outlasts three cheap replacements.
- COMPLETE KNIFE SHARPENING KIT — Dual-grit whetstone, bamboo base, angle guide, instruction manual, tips & tricks ebook and sharpening expert support included. Water-based sharpening — no expensive honing oil, no mess. Everything you need for a complete knife sharpening setup out of the box.
- DUAL GRIT — THE SWEET SPOT FOR EVERY HOME KITCHEN 1000 grit repairs dull or damaged edges. 6000 grit polishes to a razor-sharp finish sharper than most professional sharpening services. No coarser grits needed for everyday knives — this is the combo that covers 95% of home knife sharpening without over-buying.
- SAVES $15–$30 PER VISIT ON PROFESSIONAL KNIFE SHARPENING One Sharp Pebble whetstone kit maintains your entire knife collection indefinitely. Kitchen knives, pocket knives, scissors, chisels, razors — sharpens them all. Edges that hold longer than electric sharpeners, results that match pro sharpening services.
The tested stone was hard and smooth and produced a shiny finish. Because the knives were already sharp before honing, the tester could not easily measure a dramatic improvement in sharpness. That is an important distinction: an extra-fine stone can improve refinement and surface finish without being the right tool for a dull edge, a chip, or a damaged bevel.
Natural stones are less uniform than synthetic abrasives, and the Masuta was relatively expensive. Choose it when the stone’s character, finish, and enthusiast appeal justify the cost. For a first stone, a medium synthetic stone—or a complete kit with coarse and fine options—is easier to recommend.
8. Norton IM313 Multi-Oilstone Sharpening System: best for large kitchen knives
The Norton IM313 oilstone system is a three-stone, rotisserie-style sharpening station with 100-, 150-, and 320-grit surfaces. It offers an approximately 11.5-by-2.5-inch sharpening area, a covered oil reservoir, replaceable stones, and included food-safe sharpening oil.
Its long working surface and ready-to-use design are useful for large kitchen knives and for users who want a permanent sharpening station rather than a stone that is brought out, soaked, and put away. The oil reservoir helps keep the setup organized and limits the mess associated with an open oil bottle.
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The system is physically large—approximately 18 inches long—so it may be excessive for a small kitchen or a crowded workbench. Its nominally finest 320-grit stone is also coarser than a typical waterstone finishing stone. It can leave a practical, toothy edge, but users seeking a very smooth polished edge will need another finishing method or a different system.
How the cited testing was done
These are not products personally tested by this article’s current editorial team. The documented hands-on results come from Bob Vila’s review, which says it researched more than 50 products and then tested selected products for three days. The testers used a large kitchen knife, a pocket knife, and a chisel, recording grit, surface area, accessories, sharpening time, and edge performance.
The review used several practical sharpness checks, including light, fingernail, and paper tests. Those tests explain why the recommendations are not based solely on grit numbers or manufacturer descriptions. The Norton kit, for example, earned the overall position because of its complete progression and accessories, while the coarse Shapton stone was judged for repair work rather than as a one-stone solution.
Bob Vila’s page was updated November 13, 2023. Current prices, stock, seller identity, packaging, and bundle contents therefore need to be checked before publication or purchase. A separate WOOD Magazine comparison tested more than two dozen stones across 11 sets, ranging from 125 to 8,000 grit, and measured sharpening time and how much each stone dished. Its comparison supports the broad trade-offs used here: waterstones tend to be softer and faster-wearing than diamond stones, but they are also easier to flatten.
Rank #4
- DUAL SIDED SHARPENING STONE: Made from durable silicon carbide(processes and inspections.), this two-sided sharpening block comes with both a 400-grit side, used for returning edges to their original shape, and a 1000-grit side used for smoothing and polishing cutting edges. Corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, edges, and corners are clearly demarcated
- SAFE AND EASY TO USE: Knife sharpener stone kit is super easy to assemble and comes with a silicone base that holds the stone within the non-slip acacia wood base so there is absolutely no slippage while you work
- MULTI-USE TOOL: Professional grade knife sharpener doesn’t only work its magic on kitchen and chef knives, its versatility extends to virtually any blade! Sharpen fillet knives, sushi knives, pruners, straight razor blades, scissors, axes, Hunting Knives, and more
- REDUCE COSTS: This whetstone is meant to be used with water, not oil. Simply soak stone for 5-10 minutes before use, and lubricate with additional water as needed when sharpening. No expensive honing oil needed
- SUPERIOR BUNDLE: The knife sharpening stone kit comes with double-sided (400/1000)premium quality whetstone. Non-slip silicone base for holding the stone. 7” (L) x 2.25” (W) x 1.125” (H). Material: Green Silicon Carbide. Features include a 2-sided stone block, Dark Green: 400 Grit, Light Green: 1000 Grit
How to choose the right sharpening stone
Start with the blade’s condition
- Chips, broken tips, or major bevel changes: start with a coarse stone in roughly the 120-to-400-grit repair range, then progress to medium and fine abrasives.
- Ordinary dullness: a medium stone in roughly the 700-to-2,000-grit range is the practical starting point.
- Already sharp edges: use roughly 3,000 grit or higher for refinement and polishing, provided the bevel is already established.
These are practical bands, not a universal grading standard. Abrasive types and grit scales vary, so a 1,000-grit waterstone should not be assumed to cut exactly like a 1,000-grit diamond plate or oilstone.
Decide whether you need one stone or a progression
A single medium stone around 1,000 grit can maintain knives and tools that are already in reasonable condition. It is a sensible minimalist setup, but it cannot efficiently repair substantial damage or produce the same refined finish as a coarse-to-fine progression.
For a first complete setup, choose a kit such as the Norton or Kerye, or the three-stone Shapton Kuromaku set. For occasional touch-ups, a single medium stone may be enough. For construction tools that encounter damage, grit and repair capacity matter more than an ultra-fine polish.
Choose water, oil, diamond, ceramic, or natural abrasive
| Stone type | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Waterstone | Fast cutting, a smooth progression, and fresh abrasive exposed as the stone wears | Wears faster and needs periodic flattening; some models require soaking |
| Diamond | Fast cutting, portable, low setup, and useful on hard materials and steels | Different tactile feedback from a traditional stone; pressure control is important |
| Ceramic waterstone | Hard, consistent, durable, and often convenient to use | Usually costs more than basic aluminum-oxide stones and still needs flattening over time |
| Oilstone | Ready-to-use station, no soaking routine, and a practical toothy edge | Requires oil handling and often offers a coarser finishing progression |
| Natural stone | Distinctive feel and finish for enthusiasts | Less uniform, more specialized, and often more expensive |
Water or oil is not an interchangeable instruction for every product. Norton explains that some benchstones can use either medium depending on the product, while mineral oil gives a different feel and is preferred by many serious sharpeners. Follow the instructions for the specific stone rather than switching mediums casually.
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Do not overlook flattening
Many waterstones gradually dish in the middle. A hollow stone makes it harder to maintain a consistent bevel and can prevent the edge from contacting the abrasive evenly. Flatten the stone when its surface is visibly dished, when sharpening performance changes, or before precision work.
A sharpening stone flattening stone or diamond lapping plate is therefore a core maintenance tool for many softer waterstones. Shapton also lists lapping plates, holders, ponds, and related accessories for its stone families. A flattening accessory is especially important if you buy a coarse stone, use it frequently, or sharpen wide bevels such as those on chisels.
Consider working space and storage
Stone cases that double as nonskid bases, as supplied with several Shapton and Norton recommendations, make setup easier and safer. A holder or base should keep the stone from shifting while you work. The Norton IM313 is a different proposition: its roughly 18-inch footprint makes it a permanent station, not a compact drawer accessory.
After using a waterstone, follow the maker’s drying and storage instructions. Protect the abrasive surface from knocks, and do not assume that two stones with similar grit labels need the same soaking time. Some ceramic products are designed for quick wetting or splash-and-go use, while the tested Shapton Traditional stone was presoaked for five minutes.
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- 【All-in-One Sharpening Stone Kit for Every Blade】 – This complete knife sharpening stone set includes everything you need: dual-sided whetstone with 400/1000 & 3000/8000 grit, coarse flattening stone, non-slip bamboo base, angle guide, leather strop, and manual. Whether you're a home cook or a pro, this professional knife sharpener kit handles all your sharpening needs in one affordable package.
- 【 Premium Dual-Grit Whetstone for Razor-Sharp Edge】 – Crafted from high-quality aluminum oxide (corundum), our wet stone delivers exceptional durability. The 400/1000 grit side restores dull and damaged blades, while the 3000/8000 grit side provides ultra-fine polishing and a mirror-like finish. Use the genuine leather strop to remove burrs and achieve that professional razor edge. Perfect for sharpening stones for knives of all types.
- 【 Versatile Knife Sharpener for All Knife Types】 – This knife sharpening system works on virtually any blade: kitchen knives, chef knives, Santoku, steak knives, paring knives, sushi knives, cleavers, hunting knives, pocket knives, scissors, and straight razors. It's the ultimate kitchen knife sharpener that replaces multiple sharpening tools. Whether you have Japanese steel or German knives, this knife sharpener stone delivers consistent results every time
- 【Simple Water-Based Sharpening – No Oil Needed】 – Unlike complex systems, our whetstone knife sharpener is designed for water use only – no expensive honing oil required. Simply soak the sharpening stone in water for 5-10 minutes, then start sharpening. Cleanup is easy with just water. This sharp pebble sharpening kit is beginner-friendly yet delivers professional-grade results, making it the best knife sharpener for both novices and experts
- 【Durable & Long-Lasting Sharpening Stones】 – Made from high-density aluminum oxide, our sharpening stones are built to last for years of regular use. The included flattening stone ensures your whetstone maintains a perfectly flat surface for consistent sharpening angles. This knife sharpener tool is a smart investment that saves you money on new knives and professional sharpening services.
Accessories worth adding
Buy accessories to solve a specific problem rather than to make a kit look complete.
- Diamond lapping plate or flattening stone: for restoring a flat surface on a dished waterstone.
- Food-safe honing oil: for an oilstone system such as the Norton IM313, using the product’s instructions for lubrication and cleanup.
- Stone holder: useful when the stone does not include a stable nonskid base.
- Angle guide: can help a beginner maintain a consistent angle, although it may not fit every stone or blade.
- Leather strop and stropping compound: useful for final edge refinement after sharpening, but not a replacement for removing a chip or establishing a bevel.
- Replacement stones: relevant for systems such as the Norton IM313 and for users who want to expand a progression later.
Safety accessories should fit the user. The Kerye test specifically found the included gloves too small for the tester, so select properly fitting protection rather than relying on the kit’s nominal contents.
What about the Smith’s Pocket Pal?
The Smith’s Pocket Pal appeared in the source review but is not included in this ranking of eight true sharpening stones. It uses carbide and ceramic V-notches plus a diamond rod. That makes it a compact emergency or touch-up sharpener, useful for portability, but it does not offer the same controlled abrasive surface and progression as a benchstone or stone system.
Choose it for a pocket, tackle box, or emergency kit—not as a substitute for the Norton, DMT, Shapton, or other full-size options when you need to repair and refine a bevel accurately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can one sharpening stone handle every knife or tool?
Usually not. A medium stone around 1,000 grit can maintain an already serviceable edge, but chips and broken tips normally need a coarse stone first, while polishing requires a finer abrasive. A complete progression such as 220/1,000 and 4,000/8,000 is more versatile than a single medium stone.
Are lower grit numbers better for sharpening?
Lower grit numbers remove metal more aggressively, so they are better for repair work and very dull edges—not for every sharpening job. Roughly 120 to 400 grit is a practical repair range, 700 to 2,000 grit is a general sharpening range, and 3,000 grit and above is commonly used for polishing. These ranges vary by abrasive type and manufacturer.
Do sharpening stones need to be soaked?
It depends on the product. The tested Shapton Traditional 120-grit stone was presoaked for five minutes, while some ceramic Shapton products are designed for quick wetting or splash-and-go use. Follow the instructions for the exact model; do not assume that all waterstones have the same routine.
Why does a waterstone need flattening?
Repeated sharpening can wear a hollow, or dish, into the stone. A dished surface makes consistent bevel control more difficult and may prevent the edge from contacting the abrasive evenly. Use a flattening stone or diamond lapping plate when the surface is no longer flat or before precision sharpening.
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Are diamond stones better than waterstones?
Neither is universally better. Diamond stones are attractive for fast cutting, hard steels, portability, and avoiding a soaking routine. Waterstones offer a broad, smooth progression and can expose fresh abrasive as they wear, but they require more maintenance and flattening. Choose based on your blades, workspace, and sharpening habits.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Buy the Norton Waterstone starter kit for the most complete all-purpose setup. Choose DMT diamond whetstones when speed, portability, or hard steel is the priority; Shapton Kuromaku when you want a fast, hard ceramic progression; Norton IM313 when you have room for a permanent oilstone station; and Masuta only when a natural finishing stone is specifically what you want. Whichever stone you choose, match the grit to the blade’s condition and budget for flattening and stable support where needed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
