Sharpening stones - also known as sharpening or honing stones - are an efficient and therefore frequently used tool to sharpen knives or to restore knife blades to their original shape. However, corresponding knife sharpeners are offered in a wide variety of designs. Therefore, a certain amount of know-how is required to find the right sharpening stone.
Meister Messer offers you a wide range of sharpening stones for knives and more. In our online shop, you will also find sharpening steels, knife sharpeners, and various accessories. In the following guide, we explain what you need to consider when buying a sharpening stone.
Material: What types of sharpening stones are available?
Grinding stones can be distinguished primarily by their material. Nowadays, various materials are used that lead to good results. The following overview gives you an overview of the different types of sharpening stones:
- Natural sharpening stones such as the Belgian Whetstone are considered particularly durable. However, the structure and quality of sedimentary and limestone stones depend heavily on their place of extraction. Since synthetic sharpening stones are significantly more cost-effective, natural stones are not used as frequently.
- Synthetic sharpening stones are usually made up of a base stone and abrasive grains held together by a binder - often synthetic resin. However, they prove to be advantageous over natural stones not only due to their lower acquisition costs. In addition, the sharpening process here takes less time.
- Japanese sharpening stones allow you to achieve optimal results with relatively low effort. However, to function properly, they need to be soaked in water for a certain amount of time. These stones, also known as "Japanese water stones," are traditionally made from a very fine, silicon dioxide-rich rock, but nowadays are mostly produced artificially.
- Diamond sharpening stones are coated with a diamond powder during their production. However, there are also versions where industrial diamonds are embedded in a plate to act as a sharpening stone. The extremely hard material ensures that a comparatively large amount of material is removed, which is why diamond stones are particularly suitable for thick edges.
- Ceramic sharpening stones are considered very durable and can be produced relatively inexpensively. However, it should be noted that manufacturers use different types of ceramics, which lead to different sharpening results.
Wet or dry sharpening: What is better?
Because sharpening knives generates a relatively large amount of heat, it is common practice to use sharpening stones wet. Immersing the stone in water for a certain period before use or, depending on the model, lubricating it with oil allows you to sharpen cutting tools at higher speeds. The result is a higher surface quality.
In this context, however, you should consider the following: Once the sharpening stone is coated with oil, you can no longer use it as a water sharpening stone. In the past, the so-called oil stones contributed to protecting the blade from rust. Today, stainless steel is often used for knife blades.
You don't necessarily have to sharpen kitchen knives and other cutting tools with every sharpening stone wet. Ceramic and diamond sharpening stones are also suitable for dry sharpening, which can also achieve good results.
Choose the right grain size
The grit size is a crucial purchasing criterion! The grain size indicates how rough or smooth the surface of the sharpening stone is. This also determines which edge can be achieved. The higher the grit size, the finer the surface. The grain size you need depends on the condition of your knife:
- For the pre-sharpening - to correct coarser errors - sharpening stones with a grain size of up to 500 are suitable.
- For resharpening dull blades, versions with a grain size between 500 and 1000 are suitable.
- For sharpening your knives, it is best to use a sharpening stone with a grit size from 1000 to 3000.
- Models with an even higher grain size, on the other hand, are designed for fine sharpening and polishing, but are also suitable for Damascus knives.
Proper sharpening involves several passes, especially for dull knives. To achieve the best results, you will need more than just one sharpening stone. However, combo sharpening stones are available in stores, with one side featuring a slightly coarser grit and the other side a slightly finer grit.
Buy sharpening stones online at Meister Messer
At Meister Messer you will find sharpening stones in all common grain sizes at affordable prices. Whether you are looking for a version with coarse or extra-fine grit: At Meister Messer you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for. However, you also have the option to purchase a combination sharpening stone or buy sharpening stones in a set. Discover our extensive range of products today and order your personal favorite.
