The 5 Best Sharpening Stones 2023 Review

Best Single-Faced Stone: Naniwa Abrasive Mfg Grit Stone

Key Features

3,000 grit Stand and flattening stone included 1.98 ounces

What Customers Are Saying

Customers liked how easy to use this sharpening stone was, stating that it sharpened their knives quickly. However, some customers thought that it was overpriced given the quality of the materials that it was made with.

Best For Beginners: Sharp Pebble Sharpening Stone

Key Features

1,000- and 6,000-grit sides Stand and angle guide included 2.1 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

Those who gave this stone positive reviews said that it was beginner-friendly and affordable. However, negative reviews stated that the manufacturer sacrificed the stone’s durability for its economical price tag.

Best Diamond Stone: DMT Double-Sided Bench Stone

Key Features

25- and 45-micron sides Stand included 1.08 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers praised this product for having a large, hard surface that could sharpen long and wide knives quickly. On the other hand, some users were disappointed with how easily the surface showed scratches and other signs of wear.

Best Value: Chefic Sharpening Stone

Key Features

3,000- and 8,000-grit sides Stand, flattening stone, and angle guide included 1.23 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

Customers liked this stone’s versatility, mentioning that it worked on dull and semi-dull knives of various sizes. They also highlighted the non-slip stand that it came with. Some users expressed disappointment when the stone cracked prematurely.

Best Cloth: KING Whetstone Starter Set

Key Features

1,000- and 6,000-grit sides Stand, angle guide, and cloth included One pound

What Customers Are Saying

Customers thought that this stone had a user-friendly design, as it was easy to use and worked with various knives. Alternatively, some customers left negative reviews because they received a damaged product or unreadable instructions.

Buyer’s Guide

Not every sharpening stone is going to work with your knives the way you want it to. To find the right one for your needs, we created this guide with important factors to consider.

Grit

The grit of a sharpening stone refers to how coarse or fine its surface is. The lower the grit, the coarser the stone. Dull blades require a stone that’s below 1,000 grit, while medium-hard 1,000-to-3,000-grit stones are meant for semi-dull knives. Any stone above 3,000 grits simply smooths knife blades.

Versatility

Some sharpening stones are single-faced. Others have a second side that finishes blades after you sharpen them.

Design

Most sharpening stones have a block-like design. Oftentimes, this type of stone comes with a mount that holds the stone in place. Other stones come with slots that you slide your knives into. Though easier to use, this design doesn’t sharpen blades as precisely.

Size

Most sharpening stones measure seven inches long and three inches wide. This is typically large enough to work with various blade sizes. However, check the dimensions of a stone’s surface before buying it, especially if you have a carving knife or another large knife.

Types of Sharpening Stones

A sharpening stone is a type of knife sharpener. Within the sharpening stone category, you can find more subcategories. We explain them below.

Oil

These stones require oil to prepare the surface for sharpening. They come in different grades from fine to coarse. Though they are inexpensive and require little maintenance, they typically take longer to use than water and diamond stones.

Water

Water stones have a soft surface that’s versatile and easy to use. You can activate one by splashing or soaking it in water. The biggest downside to water stones is that they wear out quicker than other types of sharpening stones.

Diamond

Diamond stones have a metal plate that keeps a surface of small diamonds secure. These stones are hard, so they sharpen blades quickly. However, because diamonds are a precious gemstone, they’re expensive.

Ceramic

Ceramic stones are highly durable and effective. However, they’re pricey and hard for the average at-home cook to find on the market.

How do you clean a sharpening stone?

To clean a water or diamond sharpening stone, rinse it with hot water, and scrub debris with a soft-bristled brush. Oil stones are more difficult to clean, requiring soft, gentle scrubbing with oil.

How long do sharpening stones last?

How long a sharpening stone lasts depends on what it’s made from, how often you use it, and how well you care for it. However, a well-made and -maintained sharpening stone should last for several years—maybe even a decade.

How do you flatten a sharpening stone?

Dampen your stone with water or oil, depending on its material. Then, use low-grit sandpaper to flatten it and high-grit sandpaper to remove scratches from it. You can also try a flattening plate. Some of the stones in this review come with a flattening plate already.

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