10 Best Knife Sharpening Stones
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Keep your knives in their best forms with these top rated knife sharpening stones.
Sharpening stones are essential equipment for any serious cook’s kitchen! Designed to save you the time and expense of having knives professionally sharpened, they’ll help you keep sharp edges on your knives. There are different types of sharpening stones, as well as different grades or grits, and not all are created equal.
For example, oil stones and diamond stones can be challenging to use, and natural stones can be expensive. Ceramic stones are sometimes great, but many don’t offer longevity like synthetic Waterstones do.
Best Rated Knife Sharpening Stone Reviewed
If you’re brand new to the fine art of sharpening knives, then you’ll probably find that a set of synthetic Waterstones will be easiest to use while offering good, reliable results.
More advanced users are likely to appreciate good-quality synthetic stones as well, although ceramic and natural stones provide excellent results when used with a careful hand. With these and other factors in mind, we’ve tested dozens of the best knife sharpening stones on the market, and read thousands of user reviews to find out what others had to say about their experiences.
Here are ten of the most popular choices, arranged in alphabetic order for easy reference:
#1 BearMoo Whetstone 2 in 1 Sharpening Stone
The BearMoo 240/800 grit whetstone is made with professional-grade white corundum, and its large working surface is idea for even large chef’s knives. The 240 grit sharpening stone is ideal for repairing damaged or chipped edges, as well as starting the sharpening process when edges are extremely dull.
The 800 grit side leaves an edge similar to the factory edge found on many blades. This stone is suitable for sharpening a wide variety of knives and tools, but may not be used on serrated blades or ceramic knives. The non-slip silicone base provides a steady platform for sharpening, and is compatible with BearMoo’s Bamboo base. A 100 percent satisfaction guarantee is included.
Pros
- Coarse and medium grit in one sharpening stone
- Restores damaged and dull blades
Cons
- A few reports of chipping on edges
- Some reports that the center of the stone dishes faster than average
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- I sharpened a large hunting knife and it worked well. Seemed like the stone ground away pretty fast, though.
- This stone appears to be very well made and is the coarseness needed to prepare a knife for a very good sharpening.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you have very dull or damaged blades, or if you have the potential to damage your knives and/or tools, then you are likely to appreciate the 240/800 grit BearMoo sharpening stone. Many users note that they are new to the process of sharpening their own knives and find the size is ideal for getting the job done, particularly after watching instructional videos.
#2 BearMoo Whetstone 2 in 1 Sharpening Stone, 3000 / 8000 Grit
The BearMoo 3000 / 8000 grit two-in-one sharpening stone is ideal for putting a good edge on knives and tools, and for touching up blades that are already fairly sharp. The 3000 grit side can make any edge very sharp, while the 8000 grit side is suitable for polishing your blades.
This reversible whetstone is made with white corundum, and comes complete with a non-slip base that provides a suitable platform for sharpening on its own while offering compatibility with the BearMoo Bamboo base. A 100 percent satisfaction guarantee is included. Note that this sharpening stone is not compatible with serrated blades or ceramic knives.
Pros
- Rubber base provides good stability
- Soaks quickly and sharpens well
Cons
- Some reports that stones seem softer than they should
- Some reports that the 8000 grit side did not seem fine enough
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- These are cheap but work as expected. Took about an hour to bring my very dull knife back to sharpness starting on a 400/1000 stone. This was a good combo.
- These stones are very well made and are a pleasure to work with. They are large enough for almost any sharpening chore. The dual sided construction is perfect for extremely fine and sharp honing. As a water stone, the rubber base is perfect for the soak and staying put on the workbench. I immediately used these to hone several chisels using a guide. Worked great and that chisel plowed through black walnut burl like a hot knife through butter. For the price, you will not be disappointed.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you need to put a very sharp edge on kitchen knives and/or tools while enjoying the affordability and ease of use that water stones provide, then you are likely to appreciate the BearMoo 3000/8000 grit whetstone. It’s worth noting that some very experienced users find it to be of lesser quality than an Arkansas stone or a diamond plate, and that many others are quite satisfied with its ability to put a good edge on a knife.
#3BearMoo Premium Whetstone, 2000 / 6000 Grit with Nonslip Bamboo Base
Made from premium white corundum, the BearMoo 2000/6000 grit dual-sided whetstone is ideal for sharpening a variety of kitchen knives and other metal tools. The 2000 grit side is intended to bring fairly dull blades back to sharpness within about 15 minutes, while the 6000 grit side polishes blades in about 10 minutes.
This two-sided Waterstone comes with a silicone base as well as a bamboo platform. It also comes with an angle guide for easier sharpening and better consistency.
Pros
- Good value for the combination
- Easy to use, particularly with the bamboo block and edge guide
Cons
- Edge guide works well on large knives but is a bit hard to use with smaller ones
- A few reports of manufacturing defects and/or chipping
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- This arrived well-packaged and worked well so far. It sharpened my trusty boning knife that I’ve had for 40 years and it’s now back to like new. I love the stand, and the stones appear very smooth as they should. I look forward to many years of sharpening my collection of knives.
- Nice whetstone set! I am new to stone sharpening but this works very well. I got a razor sharp edge on my pocket knife and my $25 woodworking chisels.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you are looking for an affordable, reversible Waterstone that will bring your kitchen knives back to their original sharpness, then this one may be well worth your consideration. Most users are quite happy with the results it provides and feel that the included base and angle guide provide added value to a good, basic whetstone.
#4Best Sharpening Stones Arkansas Sharpening Stone Set – Wood Mounted 8”
The Best Sharpening Stones Arkansas sharpening stone set includes three stones: One coarse, one fine, and one extra-fine. Each of these genuine Arkansas stones is mounted on a wood block for added convenience.
Use the soft Arkansas stone to repair damaged or dull edges, and then use the hard one to impart a sharp cutting edge. The Black Arkansas stone offers an extra-fine edge, and has been traditionally used for sharpening straight razors, dental tools, and other fine cutting instruments. These stones will work with oil or water.
The manufacturer does recommend mineral oil for use on the soft and hard Arkansas stones, and water for the Black Arkansas stone. This set is proudly made in Arkansas, USA.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Works well on all types of blades, brings dull blades back to life
Cons
- No lids for the sharpening stones
- A few reports of natural flaws on the stones’ surfaces
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- This bundle deal was an incredible price and I used them initially for a plane blade. They honed the blade to better than new and now I’m encouraged to learn how to sharpen all blades. The pack of three also came with adhesive rubber feet to attach to each stone’s base, which is very useful if not mounting them on or in a recess-cut board.
- These are beautiful, and my knives love them! Turned a cheap Target stainless steel knife into a mean lean cutting machine. I’m sure these will last for years and I’d definitely buy them again.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a complete set of Arkansas stones, this one is well worth your consideration. While it does come at a slightly higher price than some other kits, it offers a good value for a full range of sharpening grits, and will take even the dullest blade back to razor-sharp serviceability.
#5Lanbaoshi 2-Sided Sharpening Stone, 1000/6000 Grit with Nonslip Base
The Lanbaoshi 2-sided sharpening stone is made with white corundum, and comes complete with an inner, non-slip silicone base as well as an outer solid ABS base for stability. The 1000 grit prepares and smooths blades for further sharpening and polishing with the 6000 grit side.
This set comes complete with an angle guide and a flattening stone, which allows you to keep the whetstones flat and extend their useable life. The Lanbaoshi sharpening stone comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Easy to use and comes with a convenient user’s guide for beginners
- The base is great quality, prevents any kind of slipping
Cons
- One report of stone wobbling in base
- One report of stone arriving without directions
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- I have a restaurant and I have to constantly sharpen kitchen knives. I bought this stone on my friend’s recommendation. The stone itself looks kind of soft but sharpens fast and provides good results. I’m happy with this stone and think it will last for a couple of years.
- I can say that I’m pretty satisfied with this sharpening stone. Instructions are clear. Even just a few minutes of grinding provides great results. Nonslip base and angle guide are great, and the fixer stone is also very helpful. You just can’t go wrong with this, it’s a great whetstone.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a basic Waterstone to sharpen a variety of knives, then you are likely to appreciate this one as it comes with everything you need to get started, plus a stone to maintain the whetstone. While it costs a little bit more than some others, the Lanbaoshi 2-sided whetstone gets high ratings from most users, who are very pleased with its ability to revive dull knives.
#6Norton Waterstone Starter Kit with Flattening Stone
The Norton Waterstone starter kit contains an entire series of sharpening stones designed to allow for effective sharpening of a variety of blades ranging from kitchen knives to chisels and other metal bladed tools. The 220 / 1000 grit combination Waterstone is ideal for repairing chipped or damaged blades, as well as for starting an edge on very dull blades.
The 4000 / 8000 grit combination Waterstone is suitable for additional sharpening and polishing, and the coarse-grit silicon carbine flattening stone is used to remove any dishing and keep the Waterstones flat. Both Waterstones come in convenient plastic boxes with non-slip rubber feet. An instructional DVD is included, along with printed instructions.
Pros
- Excellent quality set
- Ideal for beginners and experts alike
Cons
- A few reports of defects on the flattening stone
- A few reports of rubber feet coming off the plastic cases
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- I’ve had this set for years. I use it for my straight razor and other blades. While I have never needed the 220, the 1000 blade gets my straight razor shave-ready, and 4000 is ideal for maintenance. The 8000 grit is great for nuts like me who enjoy sharpening and want a mirror polish on the edge. Overall, they’re fantastic and the stones are still thick even after lots of flattening.
- I bought these stones five years ago and have used them to sharpen all my kitchen knives, which are Japanese and western, stainless steel, as well as carbon steel. The work really well and are a great value. The flattening stone has been very helpful because after years of use the surface of the Waterstones can become a bit uneven. That said, the stones are still in very good condition. I expect to still be using them for decades more to come.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you are looking for a complete set of Waterstones and quality is more important to you than low pricing, then you’ll probably appreciate everything about the Norton Waterstone Starter Kit. The instructional DVD is a great touch, particularly if you are new to the process of sharpening knives and other blades, and the SiC flattening stone will protect your investment by ensuring that the stones last as long as possible.
#7Poseidon Stones Sharpening Stone Set
The Poseidon Stones premium two-sided Japanese style sharpening stone set features a 1000 grit side for maintaining a variety of knives, as well as a 4000 grit side for bringing out extra sharpness, far better than a factory edge. This dual-sided Waterstone is made with high-quality aluminum oxide.
The set includes a flattening stone for maintenance, plus an angle guide for safer, easier sharpening. An attractive non-slip bamboo base provides added stability during sharpening.
Pros
- Large surface area makes it easy to sharpen larger knives
- Puts a very sharp edge on any blade
Cons
- Synthetic stones wear out a bit faster than Arkansas stones and other natural varieties
- No user guide included
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- Nice quality product that does what it says it will. There is obviously a bit more work involved than some alternatives but the end product is a significantly sharper knife.
- The stones did a great job of putting an edge on our knives. The stones are soft and wear quickly but they do put on a really nice edge.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you are looking for a good combination of value and usefulness, then you’ll probably like the Poseidon Stones sharpening stone set. It’s a good choice for home use, but due to reports of rapid wear, this set may not hold up well in demanding commercial situations.
#8Sharp Pebble Knife Sharpening Stone with Bamboo Base
The double-sided knife sharpening stone from Sharp Pebble is made from premium quality corundum (aluminum oxide). It features a 1000 grit side for basic sharpening, and a 6000 grit side for polishing blades. A non-slip rubber base is included, along with a hand-crafted bamboo base, a flattening stone for maintaining the Waterstone, and an angle guide. This kit comes complete with an eBook users guide.
Pros
- Puts a sharp edge on dull blades fairly quickly
- Large enough to sharpen a wide variety of blades
Cons
- Stone takes a long time to dry out after use
- One report of stones separating and bamboo base splitting after several uses.
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- This sharpening pushed my knives back into the “like new” column and I am slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing like a pro. The double-sided stone works wonders and the guide included in the package ensures the proper sharpening angulation every time.
- Works great, got my knives razor sharp. My first attempt at using it didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but after watching a quick video online, I did what they did and my knives were looking extra good. In my opinion, you won’t regret buying it. Just watch a video on how to use it and the results will speak for themselves.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If good instructions are important to you and you’re looking for a quality dual-sided Waterstone for maintaining kitchen knives and other blades, then you are likely to enjoy using the Sharp Pebble knife sharpening stone. It comes with everything needed to get started, and the learning guide is a very nice addition for those who are just getting started with sharpening their own knives.
#9Smith’s Tri-6 Arkansas Stone Tri-Hone Sharpening Stones System
Smith’s Tri-6 Arkansas Stone Tri-Hone sharpening stones system is a three-in-one set of Arkansas stones, all conveniently mounted on a base with a rotating central support for easy identification and sharpening. The base features non-skid feet for safe operations, and the set includes a sharpening angle guide.
The stones included are 1 coarse 400-grit synthetic stone, 1 medium 600-grit (natural) Arkansas stone, and 1 fine 1000-1200 grit (natural) Arkansas stone. A built-in trough catches oil drippings and metal particles, making for easier cleanup.
Pros
- Provides complete sharpening from blade repair to fine, ultra-sharp edge
- Includes everything needed to get started
Cons
- Not suitable for straight razors
- A little small for very large blades
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- This works very well. We use our knives at our office to make salads every day and they get dull quickly. This was super easy to use and got the knives back to almost new sharpness.
- These three stones work great. Very convenient to have them together on the one little rig. It is all you need to sharpen any blade to razor sharp. You need to practice on low-quality blades before touching up your $300 knives, but once you get the hang of it, this will do the job, absolutely.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for good oilstones and want the convenience of an entire kit, then you are likely to appreciate Smith’s Tri-6 Arkansas stone system. While one of the stones is synthetic, this does not seem to be a problem for most users. Some do note that very large knives are a bit harder to work with than small ones; if most of your cutlery is large-sized, then you’ll probably want a bigger sharpening stone to accommodate them.
#10Work Sharp WSGSS Guided Sharpening System Bench-Top Knife Sharpener
With a diamond plate mounted on a pivoting base, this bench-top knife sharpener works on curved and straight blades alike.The Work Sharp WSGSS guided sharpening system comes complete with interchangeable angle guides to accommodate a variety of knife blades, plus a ceramic field hone for sharpening and touching up blades when you’re away from home.
This extra hone set includes three ceramic rods including one small and medium diameter rod for serrations, and a three-position large rod. It even works on fish hooks. The WSGSS Work Sharp guided sharpening system is made in Ashland, Oregon, USA and includes a 42 year warranty.
Pros
- Complete sharpening in one system
- Easy to use, even for beginners
Cons
- Finish isn’t as pretty as with some other sharpening systems
- Costs a little more than most other sharpeners
People who Bought This Knife Sharpening Stone Said:
- I’m really impressed by the ease of use of this sharpener. I’ve attempted to use many styles of stones and electronic sharpeners but none compared to the results I achieved with this system. Anyone who has sharpened knives using a sharpening stone knows it can be extremely time consuming. With the design of this system I was able to sharpen my 3 hunting knives, 4 steak knives, and 6 other larger kitchen knives in about the time it took me to sharpen one knife with a stone. And they all came out razor sharp. Highly recommended!
- This is a great system and the guides are perfect. It is easy to use and as long as you use patience and don’t hurry you’ll get a professional result. I do recommend blade masking to avoid any unsightly scratching.
This Knife Sharpener is Ideal For:
Designed with the needs of novices and experienced users in mind, the Work Sharp WSGSS Guided Sharpening System is useful for all types of blades and can even put a sharp edge on fish hooks. It comes with a variety of extras, adding even more value to a complete sharpening system that proves useful in a variety of situations.
Key Considerations When Shopping for the Best Knife Sharpening Stone:
With so many different choices, selecting the best knife sharpening stone can be a real challenge. Here, we’ll provide you with some tips for making your choice, along with recommendations for sharpening stones that will meet your needs without causing any problems for your valuable knives.
- Grit Size – Most sharpening stones are available in a variety of different grit sizes. In general, the larger the number, the finer the grit:
- Coarse grit (Arato) – usually 200-800
- Medium grit (Nakato) – usually 800-1500
- Fine grit (Shiageto, or finishing stone) – usually higher than 1500
- Material – There are different types of sharpening stones available, each with unique characteristics. The most popular types, along with some pros and cons follow:
- Oil stones – Coarse to fine grades available. They are a bit slow to use, and you’ll need to be careful with the oil that accompanies them as it can go rancid over time. Both natural and synthetic oilstones are available. Arkansas stones are some of the best in this category; hard black Arkansas stones and hard translucent Arkansas stones are rarest and most expensive. Man-made India stone and crystolon are both good quality materials, and are quite a bit more economical than Arkansas stones.
- Diamond plates / stones – Fast and sharp, but need to be used very carefully, particularly as coarse grits can leave deep gouges. Many brands can be used without any type of lubricant. Note that diamond plates and/or stones are expensive, but that they do offer good longevity compared with other types. Additionally, a good diamond plate or stone can be used to flatten other sharpening stones.
- Natural sharpening stones – Very high-quality, but can be expensive, depending on the source. Natural sharpening stones are usually lubricated with water.
- Synthetic Waterstones – Synthetic sharpening stones are usually made with aluminum oxide (corundum) grit, which has been suspended in resin. These are easy to use and come in a variety of grits; they are lubricated with water. Many come in sets with different grits for convenience, and some are made specifically for sharpening serrated knives.
- Ceramic sharpening stones – Ceramic stones can be of great quality, but they tend to wear out faster than synthetic Waterstones. Different grits are available.
- Quality – As with so many other things, you get what you pay for when choosing sharpening stones. Cheap stones are typically unreliable and tend to wear out far faster than good-quality ones; be wary of any bargain that seems too good to be true.
- Size – Many sharpening stones come mounted on a deck for easy use. Hand-held sharpening stones are smaller and often feature a built-in groove for easier, safer handling. Many hand-held sharpening stones come with convenient storage pouches.
- Cost – Prices vary by type. In general, expect to pay somewhere around $20 to $30 (sometimes a little more or less) for a good-quality synthetic Waterstone with a deck. Hand-held sharpening stones tend to cost quite a bit less; for example, you can get a good Arkansas stone for about $5.
- Ease of Cleanup – Probably the least important factor when choosing knife sharpening stones, it’s still worth mentioning: oil stone sharpening is far messier than sharpening with Waterstones.
Tips for Using Your Knife Sharpening Stone
You’ve made quite an effort to select the best knife sharpening stone for your needs, and now you’re ready to use it. With the following tips, you’ll find it simpler to get a sharp edge and enjoy easier, safer cutting.
- Start with the correct coarseness. How bad are your blades? If they are chipped or otherwise damaged, you should use a coarse stone to remove nicks and refine your edge. If your knives are simply dull, then you’ll want to start out with a medium grit since you don’t want to remove any more metal from your blade than is absolutely necessary. What if your blades are just slightly dull? You can easily touch them up with a fine stone!
- Use the right kind of lubricant. Don’t use oil on Waterstones! The opposite is also true although some types of stone traditionally thought of as oilstones can be used with water so long as they haven’t been lubricated with oil in the past; for example, fine Arkansas stones often produce good results when lubricated with water. If you are lubricating with oil, simple mineral oil (i.e. baby oil) can provide good results.
- Note: If you are using Waterstones, you’ll need to soak them in water before getting started with the rest of the process. The amount of time to pre-soak depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Pay attention to angle. Once you’ve decided which sharpening stone to use first, you’ll want to ensure that you position your blade at the correct angle. This might require a bit of research: Look to see what angle the knife’s manufacturer recommends, and then position your knife’s edge against the stone accordingly. If your knives aren’t terribly dull, you may even be able to use the existing edge as a basic guide.
- Keep the knife steady. Holding the knife at the appropriate angle, sweep the blade across the sharpening stone, carefully using your non-dominant hand to keep the blade in contact with the stone. Repeat the process on both beveled edges until you are ready to move from a coarse grit to a finer one; check the knife’s edge frequently, particularly when you’re just becoming accustomed to the process. Deliberate, patient work will help you avoid mistakes.
- Use the whole stone. Try to move from one part of the sharpening stone to another, as this will help keep its surface flatter and prevent a hollow area from developing in the middle. Use a flattening stone if you notice the sharpening stone is developing any hollow-looking areas.
- Watch videos if you can. There are a number of useful knife sharpening tutorials available online, all designed to help you sharpen your blades properly. Take a few minutes to watch the basic techniques before you get started, and you’ll find it easier to get the results you want.
- Practice with unimportant knives. If you have the option, practice sharpening cheap or unimportant knives before moving on to more expensive ones. This way you will not run the risk of improperly sharpening an expensive blade.
That’s it! Sharpening isn’t at all difficult to do, but it does require a specific technique that gets easier over time. With just a little patience and practice, you’ll be sharpening your knives like a pro – and enjoying great results. We wish you all the best as you choose the best knife sharpening stone for your kitchen, and in all your culinary adventures!
