When choosing a honing stone, it is important to consider the type of material that the tool will be used on. For instance, a softer stone may be necessary for use on harder metals like steel, while a harder stone can be used on softer metals like aluminum. The coarseness of the honing stone will also play a role in how effective it is at sharpening or honing a tool. Finer grits are better suited for finishing work, while coarser grits are better at quickly removing material.