When you’re dealing with kitchen knives or cutting tools that have lost their sharp edge and luster, the experience can be quite frustrating – not to mention potentially hazardous. A dull blade can lead to accidents waiting to happen. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: using a whetstone. This humble tool is incredibly effective at keeping your blades razor-sharp and highly polished, restoring their original shine.
The Top 10 Best Whetstones
Our top recommendation for a knife sharpening stone is the Sharp Pebble Premium, which offers exceptional results. However, we also recognize that different users may have varying preferences and needs. For instance, some may prefer a dual-sided stone like the Whetstone Cutlery 20-10960, which features both a 400/1000 grit combination for everyday sharpening and a finer edge for more precise honing.
Alternatively, those seeking a more specialized tool might opt for the Fallkniven CC4 Ceramic Whetstone Sharpener or the DMT W6EFC Three 6-Inch Diamond Whetstone Models in Hard Wood Box, both of which cater to specific sharpening requirements. Meanwhile, users who value simplicity and ease of use may prefer the KING KW65 1000/6000 Grit Combination Whetstone or the Chefic Whetstone Sharpening Stone 1000/4000 Grit, both offering a straightforward sharpening experience.
Lastly, those seeking a premium product with a unique feature set might consider the Kota Japan Combination Dual Sided 2000-5000 Grit Diamond Knife Sharpener or the Norton 614636855653 IB8 Fine/Coarse India Combination Oilstone, which provide exceptional edge retention and durability. Ultimately, our selection of knife sharpening stones offers something for everyone, from beginners to experienced users.
Our Top Pick for the Best Whetstone
Our top recommendation for an exceptional whetstone is the Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone. This professional-grade tool is designed to breathe new life into dull kitchen knives or other cutting tools that have lost their sharpness. The unique fine and coarse grit combination of this premium-quality whetstone ensures that your blades will be precision-sharp, with a radiant polish that leaves them looking like new.
For an unparalleled sharpening experience, check the latest pricing on Amazon.
Handy Sharpening Tools
A whetstone is an indispensable tool for any home, boasting impressive sharpening, honing, and polishing capabilities that cater to a diverse range of cutting instruments. From the kitchen essentials like bread knives, butcher knives, and cleavers, to hunting gear such as pocket knives, tactical or bushcraft knives, and razors; even garden tools like pruning shears, and woodworking or art knives are not immune to its rejuvenating effects.
Swords, chisels, machetes, and axes also fall within the whetstone’s realm of expertise, making it an invaluable addition to any home or workshop.
Whetstone Design
When it comes to whetstones or sharpening stones, their design is crucial in determining their functionality. Specifically, there are two types of designs: single-sided and dual-sided. While a one-sided whetstone is perfect for rapid touch-ups, a dual-sided stone offers increased versatility in sharpening. With a dual-sided design, you can utilize one side for both sharpening and honing your blade, while the opposite side is ideal for polishing and imparting a professional finish to the edge.
This added flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those who value having multiple sharpening options at their disposal.
How to Use A Whetstone
To hone a knife using a whetstone, draw the blade across the stone’s surface in a smooth, consistent motion. The friction between the two creates a scratching effect similar to sandpaper, ultimately resulting in a razor-sharp edge with a brilliant mirror finish. For a detailed guide on sharpening a knife, refer to our post ‘How to Sharpen a Knife’.
While mastering this process may take some time and practice for beginners, we’ve also provided a video tutorial to assist those new to using a whetstone.
Types of Whetstones
While many may be familiar with the term ‘whetstone’, there are actually several distinct categories that can be used to sharpen and hone various blades.
Specifically, four primary types of whetstones exist: oil stones, which utilize a lubricant to facilitate the sharpening process; water stones, which employ water as a means of keeping the stone cool and the metal clean; ceramic stones, notable for their hardness and ability to produce an incredibly sharp edge; and diamond stones, renowned for their exceptional durability and capacity to remove even the most stubborn imperfections.
Oilstones
Oilstones, such as the renowned Norton whetstone, can be crafted from a range of materials including natural Novaculite and synthetic Aluminium Oxide or Silicon Carbide. As their name suggests, oilstones rely on the use of oil to sharpen your knife’s blade. While this type of stone may not be the fastest at honing or sharpening a blade, it does offer the distinct advantage of producing a razor-sharp edge with a beautiful polish, albeit requiring some mess and oil usage throughout the process.
Water Stones
Water stones offer an innovative solution for sharpening, made from natural or synthetic materials. Their unique characteristic lies in their ability to function solely with water as a lubricant, making them increasingly popular among users. Unlike oil stones, which can create a messy environment, water stones provide quick and effective sharpening results. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to soak the stone in water for 5-10 minutes prior to use.
However, this convenience comes with a caveat: water stones tend to be softer than other options, making them more prone to wear and tear.
Ceramic Stones
Ceramic whetstones are uniquely designed for use without water or oil, making them incredibly versatile and perfect for chefs or cooks with limited workspace constraints. These whetstones excel at delivering an exceptionally sharp blade, while their extremely hard surface ensures they retain a flat profile over the long haul.
However, due to their fine grit composition, they can be susceptible to breakage if mishandled – so be mindful when handling them, as dropping the stone could result in damage.
Diamond Stones
One type of whetstone, the DMT Diamond Whetstone, stands out for its exceptional durability. Crafted from industrial diamonds, this tool boasts a long-lasting, coarse, and flat surface that’s perfect for outdoor use – whether you choose to work with it dry or with a lubricant applied. While it may take some getting used to, especially when working with smaller knives or cutting tools, the benefits of a diamond whetstone far outweigh any initial challenges.
Grit, Base and Angle Guides
Grit Range
The effectiveness of a whetstone is contingent upon its grit, which plays a crucial role in sharpening blades. As the blade is applied to the stone’s surface, the grit shaves off metal debris, resulting in a new, sharper edge. The grit range varies significantly, spanning from 240 to 8000. Interestingly, higher numbers correspond to finer grits.
The following basic Japanese grit guide outlines the various types of grits: coarse grits (200-800), medium grits (800-1500), and fine grits (higher than 1500).
Grit Usage
When it comes to sharpening and repairing knives, the right grit is crucial. For knives with chipped edges, a lower grit – typically under 1000 – is ideal. This finer grind helps to smooth out rough edges and restore the blade’s original shape. On the other hand, dull knives require a coarser grind to remove more material and return them to their sharp state. In this case, a grit range of 1000 to 3000 is usually sufficient.
Finally, for that extra level of polish and refinement, opt for a higher grit – specifically between 4000 and 8000 – to give your knife’s edge a razor-sharp finish.
Base
A stable foundation is crucial when sharpening your knife, as it prevents the stone from shifting around. Common materials used for bases include rubber, silicone, plastic, bamboo, and hardwood. Rubber and silicone provide exceptional stability, while plastic can withstand moisture to some extent. Bamboo and hardwood, although visually appealing, may not be suitable for wet conditions due to their potential for damage.
Angle guide
When embarking on the process of sharpening a knife, it’s crucial to maintain control and accuracy. An angle guide plays a vital role in achieving this by providing support and stability to the blade, ensuring it’s held at the optimal angle for effective sharpening. This simple tool can also greatly reduce the risk of accidents occurring during the sharpening process.
Best Whetstone Reviews
Sharp Pebble Premium Knife Sharpening Stone
Whether you’re sharpening kitchen knives, hunting knives, pocket knives, scissors, chisels, Wusthof knives, razors, or even an ax, this premium whetstone from Sharp Pebble is designed to handle a wide range of blades. The two-sided 1000/6000 coarse and fine combination stone is made of durable aluminum oxide imported from Japan, allowing for effective sharpening, refining, and polishing.
For added stability and safety, the stone is securely held in place inside a non-slip bamboo base with strong silicone, featuring an extra high design that makes the sharpening process quick and easy. Unlike other whetstones, this one doesn’t require oil – simply add water and use the included knife angle guide to maintain the correct angle and apply consistent pressure while sharpening.
The e-book manual provides step-by-step instructions and tips for effective stone usage, making it accessible to both beginners and professionals. Overall, this whetstone is easy to use, with a range of benefits including superior sharpening performance, no need for oil lubricant, and the ability to be used with various types of knives and cutting tools.
Additional features include a silicone base that securely holds the stone inside the non-slip bamboo base, a knife sharpening angle guide, and detailed instructions in the e-book manual. While some may find the fine side grit a little soft or the stone too wide for smaller blades, many users have reported excellent results with this high-quality whetstone.
Kota Japan Combination Dual Sided 2000-5000 Grit Diamond Knife Sharpener
The Japanese-style Whetstone from Kota Japan is an all-encompassing sharpening solution for various cutting tools. Its versatility extends beyond kitchen knives, encompassing chef’s knives, hunting knives, razors, scissors, pruning tools, Japanese knives, swords, and straight razors. The two-sided water stone boasts a 2000-grit side that efficiently removes dullness from a blunt edge, preparing it for further honing, while the 5000-grit side enhances sharpness and imparts a polished shine.
This whetstone doesn’t require oil, but rather thrives when soaked in water for five minutes prior to use. The beautifully polished bamboo box with a non-slip rubber base provides safe storage and serves as an angle guide, ensuring proper sharpening angles. Additionally, Kota Japan offers a complimentary Sharpening Stone Guide and Bonus instructional E-book to optimize the performance of your whetstone and knives.
This comprehensive kit is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty. While it has its drawbacks – synthetic whetstones can wear out quickly, bamboo may develop mold, fine grit can become slippery, and writing on the 2000-grit side can impede finishing a blade – its numerous advantages far outweigh these minor limitations.
KING KW65 1000/6000 Grit Combination Whetstone
When your kitchen, gardening or woodworking blades lose their luster and sharpness, it’s time to bring out the KING KW65 Grit Combination Whetstone. This trusted tool from King is designed specifically for stainless steel and carbon knives, boasting a Japanese-style ceramic construction that restores the mirror-like finish and razor-sharp edge of your dull blades.
The dual-sided whetstone features a 1000 grit side perfect for honing and sharpening, while the 6000 grit side adds the finishing touches, transforming your blade into a precision cutting tool. To keep everything in place, the stone comes with a sturdy light brown plastic base that securely holds it on your kitchen countertop. While the instructions included may be in Japanese, watching some YouTube tutorials will help even beginners get started with this whetstone.
The pros of this product far outweigh the cons: high-quality construction, reasonable price, excellent value for money, and outstanding sharpening and polishing ability make it an ideal choice for both professionals and newcomers alike. Some minor drawbacks include the stone being too soft for certain knives and not being suitable for serrated blades. However, these limitations do little to detract from the overall effectiveness of this whetstone.
Dan’s Whetstone Company Inc. Genuine Arkansas Black Surgical (Ultra Fine) Pocket Knife Whetstone
The Arkansas Novaculite Whetstone by Dan’s Whetstone Company Inc. is a top-notch sharpening tool designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters who need a reliable way to touch up their blades in the field. This premium whetstone boasts an extraordinary hardness, making it perfect for sharpening not only knives but also woodworking tools and surgical instruments.
The black whetstone features a grit range of 5000 to 8000, which allows it to hone, polish, and create razor-sharp edges on any type of cutting tool. For optimal performance, use the whetstone with light mineral honing oil that suspends metal particles produced during sharpening, preventing clogging of the stone’s pores. The whetstone is housed in a stylish handcrafted leather pouch, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
The natural color of the stone can vary from dark grey to blue/black to black, adding an element of uniqueness to each piece. While the whetstone has its advantages, including exceptional quality, great price, and genuine materials, some users may find that the color variation can be a drawback. Additionally, the small surface area might require more strokes than desired to achieve the desired level of sharpness.
Chefic Whetstone Sharpening Stone 1000/4000 Grit
The Chefic Whetstone is a versatile tool that can efficiently sharpen and hone various types of knives, including kitchen knives, hunting knives, and precision tools. Its unique combination of 1000/4000 coarse and fine grit whetstone, made from professional-grade thick white corundum, allows for fast metal removal and establishment of new bevel angles. The large working surface is ideal for larger chef’s knives and hunter’s knives, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen or workshop.
This whetstone is also corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, and features clearly demarcated edges, ensuring safe and precise sharpening. Additionally, the non-slip black silicone base keeps the stone firmly in place, allowing for better angling and control. The manufacturer offers a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee, providing customers with peace of mind when trying this product.
Overall, the Chefic Whetstone is an excellent value for its price, offering a sleek appearance, excellent sharpening ability, and durability. While it may not be suitable for serrated blades or ceramic knives, it is an excellent choice for those seeking to restore dull blades, repair damaged edges, or achieve factory sharpness. The only drawbacks are that it can leave chips on some edges and wears away quickly with heavy-duty use.
Norton 614636855653 IB8 Fine/Coarse India Combination Oilstone
When it comes to repairing and maintaining cutting tools, such as knives and chisels, the Norton Combination Oilstone stands out as a reliable and efficient option. This 100/320-grit oilstone features aluminum oxide grit with a tough fracture and wear-resistant properties, capable of delivering sharp edges that last. With its dual-sided design, the Norton oilstone offers both coarse (100) and fine (320) grit surfaces for tackling different sharpening tasks.
The coarse side is ideal for repairing steel blades, while the fine side helps maintain and sharpen the blade to achieve a smooth cutting edge. One of the key advantages of this oilstone is its pre-filled oil reservoir, eliminating the need for pre-soaking or constant re-lubrication during use. The oil also plays a crucial role in preventing metal from bonding with the abrasive surface by flushing away dislodged abrasive and metal chips.
In terms of maintenance, cleaning the stone is relatively straightforward – simply use kerosene and a stiff brush to remove debris, followed by a day’s drying time before re-soaking it in oil. This durable aluminum oxide oilstone produces long-lasting, keen edges that can be used for a variety of tasks, including chiseling, woodworking, and precision instrument sharpening. Overall, the Norton Combination Oilstone is a high-quality, affordable option that offers great versatility and performance.
While some may find its center hollow appearance or lack of angle guide or base to be drawbacks, these minor limitations are easily outweighed by the benefits it provides.
Whetstone Cutlery 20-10960 Knife Sharpening Stone-Dual Sided 400/1000 Grit Water Stone-Sharpener
The Whetstone Cutlery Two-Sided Whetstone is a highly versatile sharpening tool that can restore shape, sharpness, and a polished finish to dull kitchen knives, as well as hunting knives, pocket knives, scissors, razors, hatchets, axes, and gardening tools. Its dual-sides feature 400 grit on one side for aggressive sharpening and 1000 grit on the other side for a smooth finish. The stone is made from durable silicon carbide and forms a slurry that helps polish the blade for a superior shine.
To use, simply soak the stone in water for 5-10 minutes before sharpening, and lubricate with additional water as needed. While it’s ideal for larger knives and tools, its size can be a drawback, taking up significant space on countertops or workspaces. The whetstone does not come with a base, but a towel underneath serves as a suitable substitute.
With high-quality construction, excellent pricing, and exceptional effectiveness, this premium silicon carbide stone is a top choice for sharpening enthusiasts. While it may be too soft for some applications and absorb water quickly, its pros far outweigh its cons. Easy cleaning and multi-functionality make it an ideal addition to any kitchen, household, or outdoor setting.
Fallkniven CC4 Ceramic Whetstone Sharpener
The Fallkniven Whetstone is a must-have tool for outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep their knives and cutting tools in top condition. This dual-sided whetstone boasts an innovative design, featuring a super fine white ceramic stone with a grit of 1400-2000 and a dark grey ceramic stone made from synthetic sapphires with a grit of 800-1000. Unlike other whetstones on the market, this one requires no oil or water for sharpening, making it incredibly convenient to use.
Simply place the blade on the stone, raise the spine, and deburr the edge on the grey side until it’s razor-sharp. Then, switch to the smooth white side to achieve a polished finish. For severely dull blades, Fallkniven recommends starting with a diamond stone before moving on to this whetstone for a lasting sharpness. The ceramic stones are compact and fit comfortably in the hand, making them easy to maneuver and control. Cleaning is also a breeze, requiring only water and liquid soap.
To keep the whetstone safe and secure, it comes with a durable leather pouch that easily fits in your pocket. While this whetstone has its advantages, there are some limitations. It may not be coarse enough to remove nicks from blades, and it’s best suited for sharpening rather than rejuvenating extremely dull edges.
Overall, the Fallkniven Whetstone is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use whetstone that can help them achieve a razor-sharp edge quickly and efficiently.
DMT W6EFC Three 6-Inch Diamond Whetstone Models in Hard Wood Box
The DMT Diamond 3-in-1 Whetston offers a comprehensive sharpening solution for various blades and cutting tools. This innovative product features three one-sided whetstones with extra-fine, fine, and coarse grits, allowing users to tackle a range of sharpening tasks efficiently. Each diamond-coated stone boasts a wide surface area, accommodating straight and convex blade edges. A notable advantage is the ability to sharpen dry or with water, eliminating the need for messy oils.
The whetstones come displayed in a beautiful hardwood box, making them easy to clean and store. What’s more, DMT stands behind their product, offering a 100% replacement guarantee if any defects arise. This exceptional quality, combined with its durability and precision diamond sizing, makes it an ideal gift for any chef or knife enthusiast. The pros of this set include its superior quality, made-in-the-U. S. A construction, great value, and comprehensive range of grits.
The coarse diamond surface is particularly effective at transforming dull edges into sharp, polished blades. Furthermore, the flat surface ensures even sharpening, while the fast and effective sharpening action makes it suitable for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor knives. While some may find it expensive or take time to master the right technique, the benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks. For those who prefer a larger stone, there is an option available.
To purchase the DMT Diamond 3-in-1 Whetston, simply check the price on Amazon.
TAIDEA 600/2000 Grit Combination Corundum Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone
The TAIDEA Whetstone is a versatile and affordable sharpening tool that can be used to hone almost any type of blade. Its double-sided design features a coarse 2000 grit grind for repairing damaged blades, as well as a fine 600 grit side for polishing the edge to a smooth finish. The whetstone’s high-grade corundum construction ensures its effectiveness in sharpening and polishing tasks. To get the best results, simply soak it in water for 5-10 minutes before use.
The silica gel non-slip base provides stability on countertops or work platforms, making quick work of sharpening tasks. Taidea backs their product with a 3-year warranty and lifetime customer service. While it may not be suitable for woodworking tools due to its softness, the TAIDEA Whetstone is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable sharpening solution.
Our Top Pick for the Best Whetstone
For those tired of dealing with dull kitchen knives or other cutting tools that have lost their edge, we recommend the Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone as the best option. This professional-grade whetstone offers a fine and coarse grit combination, ensuring blades are restored to a razor-sharp state with a radiant polish. With this premium quality product, you can revive your dull kitchen knives or other cutting tools back to their original sharpness.
Check out the current price on Amazon.
