In this guide we’ll look at the best sharpening stones.
We’ve compared construction, base, angle guide and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Sharpening Stone?
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More Detailed Sharpening Stone Reviews
Spyderco Knife Sharpener Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Sharpening Stone
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Spyderco Knife Sharpener Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Sharpening Stone Review
The Spyderco Knife Sharpener Tri-angle Sharpmaker is one of the best sharpening stones on the market. It’s easy to use, can sharpen serrated knives and doesn’t need to be soaked or oiled.
This knife sharpener is very easy to use. The base includes holes for special guide rods that allow you to set and easily maintain the optimum angle for knife sharpening. This tool can also be used to sharpen serrated knives, a feature that normally requires a specialist tool.
This knife sharpening stone works dry so you don’t need to worry about soaking or oiling your stone – it is always ready when you need it. It fits into an ABS case so you can take it with you whether you are camping, fishing or working.
Faithfull Tools Diamond Sharpening Stone
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Faithfull Tools Diamond Sharpening Stone Review
The Faithfull Tools FAIDWKIT 290 x 70 mm Diamond Sharpening Stone is another great choice of sharpening stone, thanks to its electroplated diamond coating, its grippy rubber base and its handy carry pouch.
The electroplated diamond coating makes the stone very tough and hard-wearing, so even the hardest metals can be sharpened. This makes it a great sharpening stone for chisels or axes for example, or as a garden tool sharpener.
The stone clamps into a base (included) made with solid rubber feet for extra stability. The stone and base fit inside a neat carry pouch so you can sharpen your tools on the job.
This is a quality and hard-wearing product suitable for the toughest of sharpening jobs.
Shan Zu Knife Sharpening Stone 2 Side Grit 1000/6000
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Shan Zu Knife Sharpening Stone 2 Side Grit 1000/6000 Review
The Shan Zu Knife Sharpening Stone is a great option for a knife sharpening stone. It has two grits, a hard-wearing and hygienic bamboo base and includes an angle guide.
This sharpening stone is double-sided. The coarser 1,000 grit side provides a basic sharpening facility for your edge. Once you have achieved the required profile you can switch to the 6,000 grit side for refining and polishing the edge for a razor-sharp finish.
The double-sided sharpening stone fits into a nice bamboo base that offers both functionality and style. The bottom of the base has a silica gel pad that prevents movement and keeps your stone stable whilst sharpening takes place.
The angle guide is great for maintaining a constant sharpening angle and gives you confidence you are sharpening your knife or tool correctly.
BearMoo Premium Whetstone 2000/6000 Grit
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BearMoo Premium Whetstone 2000/6000 Grit Review
The BearMoo Premium Whetstone 2000/6000 Grit Professional Double-Sided Sharpening Stone is a good choice thanks to its dual-sided design combined with a good grippy silicone base and its inexpensive price tag.
The double-sided whetstone allows you to use the 2,000 grit side to sharpen and refinish the edges of your knives and tools. Then you can turn to the 6,000 grit to refine and polish the edge. This gives you a razor-sharp finish every time.
The double-sided sharpening stone sits nicely inside its silicone base. This keeps it secure and in place as you sharpen your tools or knives, making the experience easier and safer.
This is a good inexpensive option that can be used to keep your knives and tools sharp without breaking the bank.
Sharpening Stone Buyer’s Guide
Construction
A well-made sharpening stone is important for keeping your knives and tools in good condition. Tool and knife sharpener stones are made of natural corundum and in general, the more you pay the better quality whetstone you get.
A double-sided sharpening stone like the BearMoo Premium Whetstone gives you a sharpening and a polishing side. This provides razor-sharp finishes for your knives and tools. A double-sided whetstone saves you needing two stones.
Some carborundum stones like the Faithfull Tools Sharpening Stone come with a diamond finish. This makes them extra durable and particularly suitable if you are going to be sharpening tools or tougher objects. The diamond coating is corrosion and heat resistant.
Added features
Look out for the following features when purchasing a sharpening stone…
- A good base. This can be made from either bamboo like the Shan ZU Stone that holds the stone in place, or a simple silicon base that prevents the stone moving when knife sharpening or tool sharpening takes place. The anti-slip properties are a minimum requirement.
- An angle guide helps you maintain the correct angle when sharpening your knife or tool on a sharpening stone and is a great tool to help beginners.
Usage
Sharpening stones or whetstones are used to refinish and sharpen anything that has an edge. This could be your kitchen knife, pocket knife or hunting knife. You can also use a sharpening stone to sharpen your tools, such as chisels or axes.
Tool or knife sharpening stones come in a range of grits. Coarse grits (lower numbers) are used to reshape or repair edges back to their former profile. As tools or knives wear their edges can change shape or become damaged so the first step is to re-establish this profile. The second step involves the use of a finer grit (larger numbers) surface that is used to refine and polish edges back to their original condition.
FAQ
How do I use a sharpening stone?
Most sharpening stones need to be soaked before use. Immerse the stone in water until bubbles stop emerging.
You then need to ensure the whetstone is positioned correctly in a safe place where it will not slip. Most sharpening stones come with a non-slip base. If you do not have a base the whetstone can be secured in a vice.
The most important factor when sharpening a knife or tool is to achieve the correct angle. An angle guide can help with this. If you do not have one, you can position the tool or knife on the stone lifting it slowly until you feel the edge of the tool or knife become flush with the stone. Then simply apply light pressure and push and pull the blade forward and backward. Use the coarse stone first and once you are happy with the profile, repeat the process with the finer stone until the knife or tool is nice and sharp.
Conclusion
A good sharpening stone allows you to keep knives and tools perfectly sharp. Sharp implements are more effective and safer to use since less force need be applied and better control is maintained.
