Image: MomJunction Design Team
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 most reliable one.
Types Of Sharpening Stones
There are four varieties of knife sharpening stones.
- Water stones: Most widely used for sharpening kitchen knives, water stones are easy to use and reasonably priced. They are made of synthetic materials or Arkansas and do not need expensive liquids or oil as lubricants. Soak them in water for 10 minutes, and they are good to use.
- Oil stones: Made of silicon carbide or aluminum oxide, these stones can be expensive. They promise sharper edges and better shine and require the use of oil or different liquids for maintenance.
- Ceramic stones: Made of materials such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, ceramic sharpening stones make good choices for final polishing or finishing. Ceramic stones are softer than water stones and oil stones but are best suited for sharpening deep blunt edges.
- Diamond stones: Diamond stones are the most expensive and effective sharpening stones as manufacturers use diamonds of industrial grade. They make a good choice for sharpening outdoor knives.
Top Picks
12 Best Sharpening Stones To Buy In 2024
1. Best Versatile:Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone
Image: Sharp Pebble 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 20,599 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
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. The stone is 2.25 inches wide in terms of its surface dimensions. To learn more about this professional chef-approved product, take a look at this review cum testing video.
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
- Finer stone side may be soft
"This stone helps me give my kitchen knives a smooth, razor-sharp finish. The blades now have a better finishing edge than when I honed them via pull-through sharpeners."
Remember2. Best Non-Slip Base: Benicci Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Kit
Image: Benicci Benicci Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Kit is a complete solution for sharpening and maintaining the edge of all types of knives. The kit includes two double-sided sharpening stones (400/1000 grit and 3000/8000 grit), a flattening stone, and a non-skid base made of bamboo for stability during use. Its blade angle guide ensures the correct angle is maintained, resulting in a razor-sharp knife every time. In addition, it has a carrying case for easy storage and transport.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use and clean
- Facilitates proper angle adjustment
- Improves the performance of dull knives
- Can be used to restore damaged edges
Cons
- Flattening stone may require occasional leveling
- May not be great for serrated knives
"I'm impressed with how it revitalizes my kitchen knives. Its rubber grips and sleek bamboo holder make it extremely easy to use."
3. 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
Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Best Versatile | Benicci Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Kit Best Non-Slip Base | Bear Moo Whetstone Premium 2-in-1 Sharpening Stone Best Corundum Material | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Corundum | - | Corundum |
| Color | Blue/White | Red, White, Beige, Black, Green | Brown+White |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 2.25 x 1 inches | 2.85 x 0.89 x 0.39 inches. | 7.09 x 1.18 x 2.36 inches. |
| Weight | 2.1 pounds | 5.53 pounds | 1.23 pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 20,599 | 347 | 4,297 |
| Price | $39.99 | $27.97 | $20.59 |
4. Best Easy-To-Use:Smith’s TRI-6 Arkansas Tri-Hone Sharpening Stones System
Image: Smiths Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 4,098 good reviews on Amazon.
Smith’s sharpening stone system features three different kinds of stones to ensure impeccable sharpness. The set includes two Arkansas sharpening stones (fine & medium) with 800 and 1,000 grit and a coarse synthetic stone with 300 grit that ensures all-round sharpness. The stone comes with molded plastic, and the non-skid base features rubber feet for safety. This review video showcasing a tester’s experience can help you learn more about this five-inch wide sharpening stone.
Pros
- Powered with convenient stone rotation
- Comes with blade angle guide for better performance
- Easy to use and handle design
- Features a non-skid sharpening base
- Comes with a high quality honing solution
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- Stone may clog
- May not be suitable for beginners
"This set is suitable for sharpening all my knives. The stone feels premium and is easy to maintain with the included honing oil. It also works well with other alternative lubricants."
5. Best Durable:Sharpal 181N Dual-Grit Diamond Sharpening Stone
The Sharpal sharpening stone is a tried-and-tested, durable, multifunctional sharpener made with high-quality monocrystalline diamond grit electroplated on its stainless steel base. It is compact and has a coarse 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 diamond surface 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
"This sharpener has allowed me to sharpen a variety of blades, from kitchen knives to yard trimmers. It's also quite sturdy and portable, and I particularly like the handle that offers a solid grip."
6. Best Rust Remover:Dalstrong Premium Whetstones
Image: Dalstrong Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 1,015 positive reviews on Amazon.
Dalstrong offers two whetstones made of premium corundum with 1000/6000 grit to stand the test of time. The two thicker and larger stones offer a bigger surface area to hone knives with larger blades. 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 a 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
"With a sturdy and practical base, this set helps hone my kitchen and workshop tools effortlessly. The wide stone design also simplifies the sharpening process, especially for my knives with longer blades."
7. Best Mess-Free:Sharp Pebble Puck/ Disk Sharpening Stone
Image: Sharp Pebble 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 stone side of 320 grit, this multi-purpose stone is one of the most efficient options.
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
"I found this stone effective in sharpening my knives, axes, and other bladed objects. It fits nicely in the hand and is easy to maintain without oiling."
8. Best Easy-To-Clean:Fallkniven CC4 Whetstone Sharpener with Leather Pouch
Image: Fallkniven 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 knife blades
"Though this stone is unsuitable for larger knives or blades, it's compact and portable, making it perfect for my daily carry knives. It offers coarser and ultra-fine sides and is quite adept at sharpening the edges."
Point to consider9. Best Unique Texture:LK-World Knife Sharpening Stone
With surface dimensions of 7 x 3.5in, the diamond grindstone with a molded plastic base is suitable for different kinds of blades, kitchen knives, and ceramic knives. The diamond surface 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
10. Best Handcrafted:Dan’s Whetstone Company Pocket Knife Sharpening Stone
Image: Dan's Whetstone Dan’s sharpening stone for beater knives is made from premium Arkansas stone. Designed to sharpen the dull edges of the blades quickly, the hard sharpening 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
"In my experience, this tool kit is adaptable and apt for touch-ups instead of extensive edge reworking. Its compactness also makes it less suitable for larger blades, but it is pretty helpful for fine-tuning the smaller knives that I use in the kitchen."
11. Best Functional Design:Spyderco – Benchstone Sharpening Stone with Polymer Case
Image: Spyderco Spyderco offers a flat and wide ceramic stone that is designed for restoring old and dull knives. With medium grit, this bench stone sharpening tool measures 2 x 8 x 0.5in and is low on maintenance, not requiring cutting fluids like water or oil.
Pros
- Comes with a polymer case
- Can be washed in a dishwasher
- Has a non-skid sharpening base
- Durable and sturdy
- Functional design
Cons
- Surface may not be flat
"This ceramic sharpening stone works admirably even on dull knives. It is a low-maintenance choice that comes flat and ready to use right out of the box. It is also easy to clean with dish soap."
12. 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. It includes versatile sharpening stones with different grits – 3000 and 8000 grits for polishing, 400 grit for dull edges, and 1000 grit for sharpening tasks. Unlike a natural stone unit, this product features a wooden base and silicone pads for added convenience.
Pros
- Designed for sharpening different kinds of blades
- Comes with a blade angle guide to ensure a proper angle
- Long-lasting and highly durable
- User-friendly design
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for an executive chef as well as a personal chef
Cons
- May not be suitable for ceramic and serrated knife blades
"It is a good option for beginners like me to hone a range of kitchen blades. The quality is decent, but the wooden base and angle setting attachment require minor modifications before use."
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.
- Size: Most stones measure seven to eight inches in length. You should choose the correct size depending upon the kind of knife you wish to sharpen.
- Type of sharpening stones: You should choose a sharpening stone type depending upon the type of knife blade you want to sharpen.
- Grit: You have to select from coarse (220 grit), medium (1000 to 1500 grit), and fine (up to 4000 grit). Coarse stone grain grit promises razor-sharp edges quickly. Medium grit is effective in giving a good polish. Unlike natural stone, finer grit sharpening surfaces offer superbly sharp edges with shine.
- Range of grit: Sharpening stones come in different grit ranges, and depending upon your requirement, you can pick the right grit.
- Budget: Sharpening stones can vary in price, with some premium options costing significantly more than basic ones. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I clean a sharpening stone?
Sharpening stones are quite easy to clean. Wipe the stone with a damp cloth to remove any residues and allow it to air-dry. However, if the residue doesn’t come off easily from the stone, you can use a small brush to clean it.
2. How long do sharpening stones last?
Stones with greater density tend to last longer than those with less density. However, it also depends on how often you use the stone.
3. How should I sharpen my knife using a stone?
The first step is to saturate the sharpening tool in water or oil before use. Place the sharpening stone on a flat and non-slip surface. Now hold the knife with the blade’s heel positioned at one end of the sharpening tool or gritstone at a proper angle, with the cutting edge facing away. Use your other hand on the blade’s top side. Sweep your knife down and across the stone in a semi-circle shape. Repeat this ten to 15 times and then use the same method to sharpen the other side. You should also follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before using the sharpening stone.
4. Is there a sharpening stone for a ceramic knife?
You can use water stones or diamond stones to sharpen ceramic knives. Using diamond stones is always a better choice because they are harder and require less time and effort to sharpen the knife.
5. For how long do I need to soak my whetstone?
You should soak the stone in water for five to ten minutes as water functions as a lubricant when you sharpen the blades.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Most of us must have encountered a dull knife at least once in a few months. To help you deal with this situation, our author and kitchen product reviewer, Sakshi John, has curated a list of the best sharpening stones that help you retain the sharpness of a knife. She has also included a how-to-choose and an FAQ section to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
Knives tend to lose their sharpness and shine as time goes by, thus making cutting your fruits and vegetables difficult. However, with the best sharpening stones at your disposal, your knives will look as good as new and help retain their sharpness. The sharpening stones listed here are of different types, so you can choose one based on the type of knife you have and ease of usage. Also, it is important to consider the size and the grit range and level to ensure that the sharpening stone that you pick lasts long and continues to work like a charm. Our top picks include the Benicci Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Kit, which has a non-skid base for efficiency; the Dalstrong Premium Whetstones, which are versatile and long-lasting; and the Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone, which is mess-free and user-friendly.
Infographic: How To Use A Whetstone To Sharpen A Knife?
Using whetstones is essential for maintaining the sharpness and longevity of knives and other cutting tools. Whetstones can help you achieve a razor-sharp edge with the right techniques and practice, ensuring precise and efficient cutting. Explore the infographic below to learn the proper steps and tips for using whetstones effectively. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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