12 Best Sharpening Stones To Hone Your Blunt Knives In 2024

Reviewed by Makos Koukakis, Food blogger Makos Koukakis Makos KoukakisFood blogger facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon Specialty: Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern and European cuisineExperience: 7 years
Written by Sakshi John
Edited by Poulami Nag
Fact-checked by Pratibha Bagdy
Last Updated on
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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 20,599 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

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.

Material: ‎Corundum | Color: ‎Blue/White | Product Dimensions: ‎7.25 x 2.25 x 1 inches | Item Weight: ‎2.1 pounds

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

Our Reviewer's Experience

"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."


protip_icon Remember
Begin sharpening the knife using the coarse side of the stone to remove any dull edges or nicks in the blade. Next, use the finer stone side to refine the edge and create a sharp, polished finish.

2. Best Non-Slip Base: Benicci Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Kit

4.6
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.

Color: Red, White, Beige, Black, Green | Item Weight: 5.53 pounds | Product Dimensions: 2.85 x 0.89 x 0.39 inches.

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
Our Tester's Experience

"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

Bear Moo Whetstone Premium

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.

Color: Brown+White | Material: Corundum | Item Weight: 1.23 pounds | Product Dimensions: 7.09 x 1.18 x 2.36 inches.

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
Reviews20,5993474,297
Price$39.99$27.97$20.59

4. Best Easy-To-Use:Smith’s TRI-6 Arkansas Tri-Hone Sharpening Stones System

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,098 rave 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.

Material: ‎Synthetic | Color: ‎Gray | Product Dimensions: ‎5 x 5 x 5 inches | Item Weight: ‎1.45 pounds

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
Our Tester's Experience

"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

Sharpal 181N Dual-Grit Diamond Sharpening

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.

Color: Silver | Item Weight: 5.6 ounces | Product Dimensions: 8.66 x 1.65 x 0.59 inches.

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
Our Reviewer's Experience

"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

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 1,015 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

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.

Color: Silver | Material: Corundum | Item Weight: 0.6 ounces | Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.5 x 3.7 inches.

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
Our Reviewer's Experience

"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

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.

Item Weight: 1.17 Pounds | Material: Silicon Carbide | Color: Black/Green

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
Our Reviewer's Experience

"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

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.

Color: Brown,White | Material: Other | Item Weight: 2.88 ounces | Product Dimensions: 1.26 x 0.01 x 3.94 inches.

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

Our Reviewer's Experience

"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."


protip_icon Point to consider
A diamond surface sharpening stone can be used both wet and dry. When using the stone wet, use water as a lubricant instead of oil to prevent clogging.

9. Best Unique Texture:LK-World Knife Sharpening Stone

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.

Color: Black | Material: Ceramic | Item Weight: 12.3 ounces | Product Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 1.38 inches.

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

4.5

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.

Color: varies between white and grey (gray), can be solid or have streaks, spots, variations by Mother Nature See more | Material: Dan's Whetstone Company, Inc | Item Weight: 1.13 ounces | Product Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 0.25 inches.

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
My Personal Experience

"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

4.7
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.

Number of Items: ‎1 | Material: ‎Synthetic | Color: ‎Blue, Brown | Item Weight: ‎66 Grams | Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎3.94 x 0.98 x 1.18 inches

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
Our Reviewer's Experience

"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

Seven Sparta Knife Sharpening Stone

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

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.

Material: Alumina oxide | Item Weight: 7.43 pounds

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
My Personal Experience

"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.

  1. 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.
  2. Type of sharpening stones: You should choose a sharpening stone type depending upon the type of knife blade you want to sharpen.
  3. 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.
  4. Range of grit: Sharpening stones come in different grit ranges, and depending upon your requirement, you can pick the right grit.
  5. 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.

Steps For Using A Whetstone To Sharpen A Knife(infographic)

Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team



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Makos Koukakis
Makos KoukakisFood blogger
Makos Koukakis was born and raised on the island of Crete, Greece. Makos grew up in a home where food played a major part in every big event and occasion. His mother and grandmother were both great cooks and he learned everything about Mediterranean cuisine by watching them cook.

Read full bio of Makos Koukakis
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Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University and has qualified UGC-NET. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

Read full bio of Pratibha Bagdy