The most frequently used item in everyday life and in the kitchen is a knife. It is worth noting that it is a universal tool and is used not only for cutting food. The knife acts as an indispensable item for hunters, fishermen and tourists. However, over time, with active use, the knife blade begins to gradually dull and lose its sharpness. Therefore, periodically, after prolonged use, knives need to be sharpened.
For these purposes, a wide variety of devices are used - from mechanical or electric sharpeners to special sharpening stones. It is worth noting that many professional chefs who use this tool every day give their preference to sharpening stones.
After all, thanks to their use, you can achieve maximum and accurate sharpening of the blade. The editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for your attention, having previously read and studied many reviews, various recommendations, as well as user advice, a rating of high-quality, best sharpening stones for knives as of 2022.
What types are there?
Sharpening stones are special whetstones that can have different shapes, sizes, as well as a criterion that should be primarily taken into account when choosing them, such as the degree of grain size. Using several sharpeners of different grits, the user can restore and sharpen even severely damaged or dull knife blades.
According to their origin, such sharpeners are synthetic and natural. Natural ones include:
- Japanese water stones.
- Arkansas. It is a compound of various rocks, as well as quartz. It is worth noting that a high-quality sharpener contains 100% quartz. Arkansas comes in different densities and may differ from each other in other characteristics. This is due to the fact that its extraction is carried out in different rock layers.
Synthetic sharpeners include ceramic and diamond sharpeners. In addition, this class also includes the so-called water stones, which are of artificial origin. Synthetic ones have different abrasive grain sizes. Therefore, they can be coarse-grained (up to 400 grit), fine-grained (from 2 thousand grit). In addition, synthetic type sharpeners come in medium grit (from 600 to 2000 grit).
Criterias of choice
How to choose? What mistakes should you avoid making when choosing? The main criterion that you should pay attention to when choosing a sharpening stone is its grain size. To sharpen knives with high quality or restore old, damaged and dull blades, it is recommended to use 3 bars of different grain sizes:
- To eliminate gross defects that are present on the surface of the blade, coarse abrasives are used, which can remove the nick and restore the geometry of the knife;
- To perform pre-treatment (to give the blade a sharpness and sharpen it), medium-grained bars are used, which can eliminate small defects (if the blade blade is not very dull and has minor damage);
- To perform the final sharpening, fine-grained whetstones are used, which allow for high-quality grinding of the blade.
It is worth noting that for very dull blades you need to use coarse, coarse-grained abrasives. When sharpening European knives, as a rule, sharpeners are used, the grit range of which varies from 240-1500 grit. Hard steel blades and Japanese knives are best sharpened with 400-3000 grit whetstones.
The so-called combined type sharpening stones are very popular among consumers. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that such bars are equipped with two different abrasive surfaces, which differ in the degree of granularity. In such whetstones, one side is used for rough sharpening of the blade, and the other (fine-grained) for finishing.
water stone
Japanese water stones are very popular both in the domestic and world markets. They provide a high level of blade sharpness. In addition, compared to other sharpeners, such devices are much softer, so they are better suited for manual sharpening of a knife and do not damage or grind down the blade as much.
Before sharpening the blade, the water stone must be moistened with ordinary water. After such moistening, a special suspension begins to appear on the block, which is involved in sharpening the blade. It is worth noting that sharpening knives using Japanese water stone is a long process and takes a lot of time. However, the use of such sharpeners ensures a high level of blade sharpening and ensures maximum blade sharpness.
Artificial whetstones
Compared to natural stones, blade sharpening stones, which are of the synthetic type, have a more uniform structure. In addition, such synthetic sharpeners have high abrasive characteristics. Artificial sharpeners are:
- Diamond. They are distinguished by a high level of strength and durability. The abrasive of such sharpeners contains diamond chips, thanks to which the whetstone perfectly sharpens the blade and practically does not wear out. However, when using such devices, one should take into account the fact that if they are used carelessly, there is a high probability of damaging the blade.
- Ceramic. As a rule, such sharpeners have a small grit and in most cases are used when it is necessary to finish the blade.
- Synthetic water stones. Compared to natural analogues, such sharpeners have a more uniform structure. However, despite this, they are distinguished by high abrasive characteristics and lower cost.
On a note! In addition to sharpening stones, musat, as well as a variety of mechanical and electric sharpeners and machines, can be used to sharpen kitchen knives. However, some users, even when using special machines for sharpening blades, still finish the blade using a special fine-grained sharpening stone.
Diamond whetstones for sharpening
Diamond is the strongest mineral on the planet. It is actively used in the production of sharpening devices. The size of the fraction may vary depending on the area of use. The high cost does not allow spraying a thick working layer.
A characteristic feature of diamond bars is a long period of operation with no loss in sharpening quality. Even after 10 years of active use, the plane will remain perfectly flat.
It should be remembered that the structure of diamond has an extremely aggressive effect on the workpiece. This allows you to quickly sharpen any thing, but if you lack the skills, it can simply break. To gain experience, it is better to practice on regular medium-grained bars.
The diamond surface is not clogged by grinding by-products. To clean, simply rinse the tool in clean water.
Best Knife Sharpening Stones for 2022
The domestic market is represented by a large variety of sharpening stones. However, according to experienced users, it is best to use water stones for sharpening kitchen knives. This is due to the fact that they are perfect for processing even hard steel and provide the maximum level of sharpness of the sharpened tools and utensils.
When choosing a sharpener, you need to pay attention to the degree of its grain size. In order to recognize it, you need to familiarize yourself with the markings, which, as a rule, are applied to the edges of the bar. In addition, such markings, which indicate the grit level of the sharpener (measured in grits), must be indicated directly on the packaging itself in which the whetstone is sold.
Where can I buy? You can purchase a sharpening stone for kitchen knives in online stores by placing an online order. In addition, sharpeners that are sold on a popular Internet resource called Ali Express have recently become very popular among domestic consumers. This is due to the fact that the products presented on this site are of low cost and acceptable quality.
Rating of the best water sharpening stones
Hatamoto HTO960
A high-quality, reliable sharpener that will provide a high level of sharpening even for heavily worn kitchen knives. The block is equipped with two surfaces of different grain sizes. Medium grit (1000 grit) is intended for sharpening the blade, and fine grit (3000 grit) for finishing it.
Thanks to the use of this device, the user can sharpen the knife in two stages - first sharpen it, and then polish it to give the blade greater sharpness. A special feature of this product is the presence of a non-slip base, which provides comfort when working with the knife. The main purpose is sharpening followed by grinding and polishing.
The width of the product is 6 cm, length – 18 cm. The height is 2.8 cm. The weight of the bar is 730 grams.
whetstone Hatamoto HTO960
Advantages:
- Quality;
- Convenient to use;
- Availability of rubber stand;
- Equipped with 2 surfaces with different grain sizes;
- Provides good blade sharpening;
- Reasonable price (average cost 2840 rubles).
Flaws:
- Inexperienced users will find this product difficult to use;
- There are many Chinese fakes on the market.
Samura SWS – 8000
It is a water-based single-layer whetstone, which is distinguished by the finest grain size of the abrasive material (8000 grit). The main purpose of this product is to carry out finishing processing of a pre-sharpened blade. It is used in combination with other bars that have a coarser grain size.
Unlike other whetstones, Samura SWS - 8000 is designed to perform more delicate work related to polishing and finishing the knife being sharpened. It is worth noting that when polishing a blade with this sharpener, you do not need to use various polishing lubricants or felt.
The weight of the product is 353 grams. The height of the wound is 2.4 cm, width – 7 cm, length – 19 cm. Refers to sharpeners with ultra-fine grain.
sharpening stone Samura SWS – 8000
Advantages:
- Reasonable cost (2346 rubles);
- Provides a good level of sharpening;
- Soft, does not damage steel;
- Comes with a special anti-slip stand.
Flaws:
- According to users, the actual width of this product is 6 cm;
- Some users complain that this product wears out quickly;
- Suitable for finishing the blade only.
Zwilling JA Henckels 32505-300
It is a high-quality sharpener that is perfect for straightening, finishing, and sharpening very dull, worn blades with broken geometry. Supplied in a special case made of plastic. Equipped with two sides with abrasives of different grain sizes (8000/3000).
The coarse-grained part of the bar is used in cases where it is necessary to eliminate small damage on the edge and other defects from the surface of the cutting part of the knife. The fine-grained part is used directly to sharpen the blade to an acceptable level of sharpness. The weight of the product is 871 grams, height – 4 cm, width – 8.5 cm, length -20 cm.
whetstone Zwilling JA Henckels 32505-300
Advantages:
- Quality;
- Versatility of use;
- Can be used to eliminate small defects that are present on the cutting edge of the blade;
- Provides a high level of sharpening.
Flaws:
- High cost (10,103 rubles).
OPINEL 10 cm 001541
It is an inexpensive, budget natural sharpener that was mined in Lombardy. It is distinguished by its versatility and is perfect for processing any type of cutting edge. Can be used for sharpening, finishing, and straightening blades.
Before use, the bar must be placed in water for 10 minutes. It is not recommended to use this product dry; it should be slightly moistened when sharpening knives. When sharpening, the blade angle should be 20 degrees. The length of the product is 10 cm.
sharpening stone OPINEL 10 cm 001541
Advantages:
- Performs the task assigned to him well;
- Cost (738 rubles);
- Versatility of use.
Flaws:
- Poor equipment (no anti-slip stand);
- Some users claim that there are products with defects (an uneven surface that you have to sharpen yourself).
Yaxell Sharpeners YA36060
High-quality, universal double-sided water stone designed for processing the cutting edge of blades. Equipped with coarse-grained and ultra-fine-grained abrasives (240/1000). It can be used both for sharpening knives and finishing the cutting part, aligning the geometry, and eliminating small defects.
When using a whetstone, you must maintain a sharpening angle of 15 degrees. Additionally, it is equipped with a stand, a special device that allows you to maintain the permissible sharpening angle, as well as an additional whetstone for straightening the sharpener. The length of the product is 18.3 cm, width – 6.3 cm, height – 2.7 cm. Country of origin: Japan.
whetstone Yaxell Sharpeners YA36060
Advantages:
- Equipment;
- Versatility of use;
- Quality;
- Reliability.
Flaws:
- High price (5990 rubles).
TOP best artificial sharpening stones
STAYER 3572-15
It is a budget-friendly grinding block that is perfect for both fine and coarse sharpening of the cutting part of a variety of tools. The design of this product is equipped with double-sided different types of abrasive material, which can be used for both primary and final sharpening of the cutting edge.
It is distinguished by high quality and increased service life. Abrasive material – ceramics. The weight of the product is 355 g, width – 5 cm, length – 15 cm, height – 2.5 cm.
sharpening stone STAYER 3572-15
Advantages:
- Good density and weight of abrasive;
- Ease of use;
- Price (390 rubles);
- Sharpens without chipping.
Flaws:
- Some users claim that there may be chips on the surface of the product, and burrs on its edges.
Lansky Tri-Stone Benchstone BS – TR100
A set of high-quality sharpening stones, which is suitable for both domestic and professional use. The set consists of a special stand, as well as three sharpeners, which are suitable for finishing, straightening, sharpening, polishing and grinding the cutting part of the tool.
For preliminary sharpening, a diamond sharpener (100 grit) is used, sharpening is carried out with an oxide - aluminum sharpener (240 grit), and final polishing is performed with a ceramic whetstone (1000 grit). It is worth noting that this product is designed to work with straight sharpened blades.
whetstone Lansky Tri-Stone Benchstone BS – TR100
Advantages:
- Versatility of use;
- Equipment;
- Availability of diamond coating;
- Quality of materials;
- Easy to use.
Flaws:
- Price (6840 rubles);
- Some users claim that beginners who have not used such products before will find it difficult to maintain the correct sharpening angle.
BISON 33397-150-50
It is a 4-sided block that can be used for grinding, sharpening the cutting part of blades, scissors and other tools. In addition, this bar can be used to polish a variety of products made from materials such as stone and granite. Features a large selection of grain sizes (P200; P300; P400; P600).
Perfect for both preliminary and finishing processing of the cutting part of the blade. Cleanliness of processing during sharpening is ensured thanks to diamond powder evenly applied to the block. Additionally, it comes with a plastic stand. The weight of the product is 0.555 kg. Length is 15 cm, width is 5 cm, height is 5 cm.
sharpening stone BISON 33397-150-50
Advantages:
- Reasonable price (average cost 1421 rubles);
- Equipment;
- Compact size;
- Convenient to use.
Flaws:
- Some users claim that if they do not keep the timber clean, it gradually begins to rust;
- According to some users who have already purchased this device, the plates with abrasive material on the holder are not glued evenly.
Diamond and ceramic fixtures
These materials should not be confused with rectangular diamonds. Artificial microcrystals act as an abrasive in diamond whetstones, although the price for such a whetstone or whetstone for sharpening knives is quite high. Diamond sputtering comes in poly- or monocrystalline form. The material differs in the number of working surfaces. Diamond sharpeners differ in the technology of fastening crystals in their structure into the following types:
- Galvanic bond. Diamond crystals are fixed to the surface using a special nickel-based binder. Essentially, the diamonds are evenly distributed throughout the stone. The advantage of such products is their high level of efficiency. You can sharpen a blade using a diamond abrasive in just a couple of movements. In addition, this material is durable.
- Soft organic base. The sharpening stones look like ordinary stones, but the corundum crystals are replaced by diamond ones. The processing efficiency is quite good, but there will be much less scratches on the metal. In addition, with wear and tear, the coating will gradually be renewed, that is, the timber will not lose its user characteristics over time.
Ceramic products are a separate group of products with a fine structure according to the grain size table. It would be more appropriate to call them not sharpeners, but rules, because sharpening a blade on a ceramic bar is very tedious. Therefore, ceramic sharpeners are often used for finishing and straightening knives after rough sharpening.
Regardless of the type of whetstone, you need to use a high-quality lubricant when sharpening blades. For this purpose, you can use machine or spindle oil or ordinary water.
