Knives are a primary kitchen tool. But over time, they tend to lose their sharpness. So, we have made a list of the best sharpening stones to help you choose the right one. Sharpening stones, also known as water stones or whetstones, are rectangular stone blocks. They are used to hone the edges of a dull or blunt knife. By sharpening the knife on the edges of these stones, you can bring its shine and effectiveness back with minimal effort or injuries. These stones are made of various materials and are available in many sizes. Read on to know more about these essential stones and the features to look for. We have also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one.
Types Of Sharpening Stones
There are four varieties of knife sharpening stones.
11 Best Knife Sharpening Stones To Buy
1. Best Versatile:Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone
The Sharp Pebble whetstone is versatile and can sharpen different types of knives and even an ax. Made of aluminum oxide, the high-quality double-sided whetstone comes with two grit levels and a bamboo base to hold the stone. For beginners, Sharp Pebble offers a detailed eBook on how to sharpen a knife with a whetstone. Take a look at this video to learn more about this product. Pros
User-friendly design Easy to assemble Promises mess-free sharpening Easy to clean Comes with a silicone holder Non-slip bamboo base ensures better safety Comes with a guide for sharpening
Cons
Fine side may be soft
2. Best Corundum Material:Bear Moo Whetstone Premium 2-in-1 Sharpening Stone
The Japanese knife sharpener stone from Bea rMoo Whetstone is double-sided with two different grit levels – the coarse side with 3,000 grits and the fine side with 8,000 grits. Made of premium white corundum material, the Bear Moo stone can keep different kitchen knives in the top edge. The stone should be soaked in water for at least five minutes before you start sharpening your kitchen knives. Pros
White corundum resists heat and corrosion Comes with clearly demarcated corners and edges Non-slip silicone base keeps it in place Offers a generous working space Can be used for different kinds of blades
Cons
May not be suitable for ceramic knives and serrated blades
3. Best Easy-To-Use:Smith’s TRI-6 Arkansas Tri-Hone Sharpening Stones System
Smith’s sharpening stone system features three different kinds of stones to ensure impeccable sharpness. The set includes two Arkansas stones (fine & medium) with 800 and 1,000 grit and one coarse synthetic stone with 300 grit that ensures all-round sharpness. The stone comes with molded plastic and non-skid rubber feet for safety. Watch this review video for more information on the product. Pros
Powered with convenient stone rotation Comes with sharpening angle guide for better performance Easy to use and handle design Comes with a high quality honing solution Long-lasting and durable
Cons
Stone may clog May not be suitable for beginners
4. Best Durable:Sharpal 181N Dual-Grit Diamond Sharpening Stone
The Sharpalsharpening stone is a durable, multifunctional sharpener made with high-quality monocrystalline diamond grit selectroplated on its stainless steel base. It is compact and has acoarse 325 grit and extra-fine 1200 grit. The stone comes with a 2m paracord wrapped around the handle, which is perfect for survival tasks. Pros
Offers better sharpening than water and oil stones Multifunctional sharpener Does not require any oil or water for maintenance Quick and durable Comes with three years warranty Includes a genuine cowhide leather sheath
Cons
Leather cover may be difficult to remove
5. Best Rust Remover:Dalstrong Premium Whetstones
Dalstrong offers two whetstones made of premium corundum with 1000/6000 grit. The two thicker and larger stones offer a bigger surface area to hone the knife. The premium whetstone is ideal for sharpening German and Japanese style knives and blades. Pros
Comes with an Acacia wood base to hold the stone Includes Nagura flattening stone for conditioning Has a silicone holder for better stability Comes with a stain and rust remover Versatile
Cons
Grits may not be effective
6. Best Mess-Free:Sharp Pebble Puck/ Disk Sharpening Stone
Made with high-quality silicon carbide, the Sharp stone is compact and designed to provide maximum sharpness with minimum effort. With a coarse side of 150 grit and a fine side of 320 grit, the stone can be one of the best choices. Pros
Offers 40% bigger surface area Ergonomic design promises better grip Dual grit multipurpose whetstone Comes with a magnetic bamboo box for storage Portable and compact Mess-free design
Cons
Case may not be durable
7. Best Easy-To-Clean:Fallkniven CC4 Whetstone Sharpener with Leather Pouch
The Fallkniven ceramic whetstone is curated to take care of different sharpening needs. A dual-sided construction crafted with synthetic materials, the stone comes with 2000 grit on one side for finishing touches and 1000 grit for smoothing the surface. The pocket sharpening stone makes the perfect pick for outdoor activities. Pros
Doesn’t require water or oil for lubrication Compact and portable Easy to clean Comes with a leather pouch Promises quick sharpening Ergonomic design that fits in hands
Cons
May not be coarse enough to remove nicks May not be effective on extremely dull blades
8. Best Unique Texture:LK-World Knife Sharpening Stone
Measuring 7X3.5in, the diamond grindstone with a molded plastic base is suitable for different kinds of blades, kitchen knives, and ceramic knives. The diamond stone comes with design highlights that offer it a unique texture. The 600 grit side removes imperfections and nicks, while the 1200 grit side is good for honing. Pros
Effective and functional Durable and sturdy construction Does not require water during the sharpening process Comes with an anti-slip base Portable design
Cons
Diamond coating may wear out with time
9. Best Handcrafted:Dan’s Whetstone Company Pocket Knife Sharpening Stone
Dan’spocket sharpening stone is made from premium Arkansas stone. Designed to sharpen the dull edges of the blades quickly, the stone is durable and dependable. The small-sized stone contains high-purity silica Novaculite. Pros
Offers extra hard surface High-quality sharpening stone Perfect for outdoor sharpening Comes with a handcrafted leather pouch Compact and portable design Long-lasting Can be used for sharpening different kinds of blades
Cons
May have a small surface area
10. Best Functional Design:Spyderco – Benchstone Sharpening Stone with Polymer Case
Spyderco offers a flat and wide ceramic stone that is designed for restoring old and dull knives. With medium grit, the stone measures 2x8x0.5in and is low on maintenance, not requiring cutting liquids like water or oil. Pros
Comes with a polymer case Can be washed in a dishwasher Has non-skid rubber feet Durable and sturdy Functional design
Cons
Surface may not be flat
11. Best Easy-To-Assemble:Seven Sparta Knife Sharpening Stone Set
Made of high-quality alumina oxide, Sparta offers a set of two sharpening kitchen knives with a stone. Designed to sharpen different blades, the stone is durable. The stone comes with different grits – 3000 and 8000 grits for polishing, 400 grit for dull edges, 1000 grits for sharpening tasks, and 320 grit and 240 grit for flattening. The wooden base and silicone pads add to the convenience of using this set. Pros
Comprehensive set Designed for sharpening different kinds of blades Comes with an angle guide Long-lasting and highly durable User-friendly design Easy to assemble
Cons
May not be suitable for ceramic and serrated blades
How To Choose The Right Knife Sharpening Stones?
To help you find the right knife sharpening stone, we have listed some essential factors that you must consider when shopping for one.
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