Knife Sharpening Stones: Types and How to Use Them

Selecting the appropriate grit for your knife sharpening stones is crucial to achieve the desired results. The grit number indicates the coarseness of the stone, with lower numbers representing coarser grits and higher numbers indicating finer grits. Understanding the different grit levels will help you sharpen your knives effectively.

Coarse Grit

Coarse grit stones, typically ranging from 80 to 400 grit, are ideal for repairing damaged or extremely dull blades. These stones remove metal quickly and are perfect for reshaping edges or fixing chips. When using a coarse grit stone, you'll notice visible scratches on the blade's edge. Start with a coarse grit if your knife has nicks, chips, or has completely lost its edge.

To use a coarse grit stone, soak it in water for about 10 minutes before sharpening. Hold the blade at a 20-degree angle and draw it across the stone in a back-and-forth motion, applying even pressure. Remember that coarse stones are aggressive, so use caution to avoid removing too much metal.

Medium Grit

Medium grit stones, ranging from 800 to 3000 grit, are perfect for general sharpening and maintaining your kitchen knives. These stones remove less material than coarse grits and are great for regular edge maintenance. They help refine the edge created by coarser stones and prepare it for finer grits.

When using a medium grit stone, follow a similar process as with coarse grits, but apply less pressure and make fewer passes over the blade. This grit range is ideal for bringing dull knives back to life and achieving a sharp edge suitable for most kitchen tasks.

Fine Grit

Fine grit stones, typically between 3000 and 8000 grit, are used for polishing and refining the edge of your knife. These stones remove very little material and are excellent for giving your blade a smooth, sharp finish. They're perfect for maintaining already sharp knives and achieving a razor-like edge.

To use a fine grit stone, use even less pressure than with medium grits and make fewer passes over the blade. This process helps remove any remaining scratches from previous grits and creates a polished edge that glides effortlessly through food.

Extra Fine Grit

Extra fine grit stones, ranging from 8000 to 12000 grit and beyond, are used for creating a mirror-like finish on your knife's edge. These stones remove almost no material and are ideal for achieving the sharpest possible edge. They're particularly useful for precision cutting tasks and for those who want their knives to have a professional-grade finish.

When using an extra fine grit stone, apply very light pressure and make minimal passes over the blade. This final stage of sharpening gives your knife an incredibly smooth and sharp edge that can slice through delicate foods with ease.

By using different grits of sharpening stones, you can achieve a wide range of sharpness levels on your knife. Whether you're looking to repair a damaged edge, maintain a sharp blade, or give your knife a mirror finish, there's a grit of whetstone that's right for you. Remember to progress through the grits gradually, starting with the appropriate coarseness for your knife's condition and working your way up to finer grits for the desired finish.

Preparation is key when using knife sharpening stones . Start by soaking your stones in water for about 15 minutes before use. This step is crucial for water stones, as it prevents them from drying out during the sharpening process. While your stones are soaking, gather a few clean rags and set up your workspace with a flat, stable surface.

Once your stones are ready, place them on a damp towel to keep them from sliding. Position the coarse grit stone (around 220-400 grit) vertically in front of you. This lower grit stone is perfect for repairing damaged or very dull knives.

Finding the proper angle is crucial when sharpening a knife with a stone. For most kitchen knives, aim for a 15 to 20-degree angle. To help maintain this angle, you can use the "coin trick." Place a stack of coins (three for 15 degrees, four for 20 degrees) on the stone as a guide. Rest the spine of the knife on the coins to achieve the correct angle.

Now, let's focus on the sharpening technique . Hold the knife in your dominant hand, placing the heel of the blade at the far end of the stone. Apply gentle pressure with your fingers on the blade's edge. Using your other hand to stabilize the knife, slowly draw the blade across the stone towards you. Maintain a consistent angle throughout the motion.

As you sharpen, you'll create a slurry - a mixture of stone particles and metal shavings. This acts as a liquid abrasive, helping to sharpen your knife more effectively. Keep the stone moist by occasionally splashing water on it.

Continue this process, working from heel to tip, until you feel a burr forming along the entire edge. The burr is a small, raised edge of metal that indicates you've sharpened sufficiently on that side. Once you've achieved this, flip the knife over and repeat the process on the other side.

After sharpening both sides on the coarse stone, it's time to move to a finer grit (around 1000 grit) to refine the edge. Repeat the same technique, but with lighter pressure. This step helps to smooth out any roughness left by the coarse stone.

Remember, consistency is key when using sharpening stones for knives. Maintain the same angle throughout the process and apply even pressure. It's better to use light pressure and more strokes than to apply too much force, which can damage your knife or create an uneven edge.

Finishing touches are crucial for achieving a razor-sharp edge. After using the fine grit stone, you may want to progress to an even finer grit (3000-8000) for a polished edge. However, for most kitchen knives, finishing with a 1000 grit stone is sufficient.

To remove any remaining burr, use alternating light strokes on each side of the blade. This process, known as deburring, helps to create a clean, sharp edge. Finally, test your newly sharpened knife by carefully slicing through a piece of paper. A properly sharpened blade should cut smoothly without catching or tearing.

Using whetstones for knife sharpening takes practice, but with patience and consistency, you'll be able to maintain sharp, efficient kitchen knives. Remember to clean and dry your sharpening stones after use, storing them in a dry place to ensure their longevity.

Proper maintenance of your knife sharpening stones is crucial to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. By taking care of your whetstones, you'll be able to keep your kitchen knives razor-sharp for years to come. Let's explore the essential steps to maintain your sharpening stones, including cleaning, flattening, and storage.

Cleaning

Cleaning your sharpening stones regularly is vital to remove metal filings, debris, and oil that can accumulate during use. Here are some effective methods to clean your stones:

1. Use water: For most whetstones, simply rinsing them under running water can remove loose debris. This is especially effective for water stones.

2. Apply honing oil: For oil stones, use a quarter-sized amount of honing oil to lift metal flecks from the stone's surface. Gently rub the oil in circular motions using a soft toothbrush or your finger until you see metal flecks emerging from the pores.

3. WD-40 method: For older or heavily soiled stones, spray WD-40 on the surface and use fine steel wool (0000 grade) to gently scour the stone. This technique works well for breaking up stubborn debris or caked oil.

4. Wipe with a damp cloth: After cleaning, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the stone thoroughly, removing any remaining debris or cleaning agents.

Remember to avoid using soap or other liquids when cleaning your sharpening stones, as these can affect their performance.

Flattening

Over time, sharpening stones can become uneven or dished out in the middle, which can affect their ability to sharpen knives effectively. Flattening your stones regularly is essential to maintain their performance. Here's how to do it:

1. Use a flattening plate: Rub your stone over a flattening plate to even out its surface. Start by wetting the stone with water or oil, then gently drag the plate back and forth across the stone's surface until it's smooth and free of metal filings.

2. Diamond plate method: A diamond-coated sharpening plate is excellent for flattening whetstones. It's more durable than traditional lapping stones and works faster.

3. Sandpaper technique: If you don't have a flattening plate, you can use wet-dry sandpaper (100-grit) adhered to a flat surface like a piece of thick glass. Rub the stone over the sandpaper until the surface is smooth and even.

4. Lapping powder system: For a long-lasting solution, use a lapping system consisting of a flat iron or glass sheet, water, and abrasive powder like silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. Move your stone in a rotary motion over this mixture to flatten it.

It's recommended to flatten your stones every 10 sharpening sessions or whenever you notice unevenness. This practice will help maintain the stone's effectiveness and extend its lifespan.

Storage

Proper storage is crucial to prevent damage and maintain the quality of your sharpening stones. Follow these tips to store your stones correctly:

1. Allow proper drying: After use and cleaning, let your stones dry completely at room temperature for a couple of days. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight or hot places, as this can cause cracking.

2. Use dedicated containers: Store your stones in dedicated containers or boxes rather than loose in a drawer. This protects them from damage and keeps them clean.

3. Consider travel-friendly options: If you need to transport your stones, look for specialized storage solutions like canvas roll-up pouches or latched containers designed for sharpening stones.

4. Keep them separate: Store different grits separately to prevent cross-contamination, especially between coarse and fine stones.

5. Avoid moisture: Store your stones in a dry place to prevent mold growth and potential damage from excess moisture.

By following these maintenance practices, you'll ensure that your knife sharpening stones remain in top condition, ready to keep your kitchen knives sharp and efficient for all your culinary tasks.