do i need expensive whetstone

The coarse stone is one of the most overlooked but most important sharpening stones you can own. We speak directly to customers every day and customers regularly question whether they need a coarser sharpening stone.

The coarse stone is the workhorse of the sharpening stones. If you have a dull edge, you start with this stone and spend the most time with the stone. The finer stones perform the important task of refining the edge and making it sharper.

do i need expensive whetstone

A Fine Stone Sharpens Much Slower Than a Coarse Stone

In theory, you can just spend more time using fine stone to achieve the same results as a coarser stone. In practice, the additional time spent on the finer stone is considerably longer. It wont be twice as long, it will likely be at minimum 5 times longer but often more than 10 times longer to achieve the same result. If you have all the time in the world and dont mind wearing your fine stone up to 10 times faster, then maybe just a finer stone is right for you.

The Coarse Sharpening Stones Are Often the Least Expensive

Saving money by skipping the coarse grit rarely works. The coarse grits are the same or less expensive than comparable fine grits. If you want to save money, skip the finest grits, not the coarse ones. Yes, we are happy to sell you more expensive stones, but were even happier when we can help you make the right choice.

Cheap vs Expensive Sharpening Stones – WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY

FAQ

Do expensive whetstones make a difference?

At the microscopic level, the grit of your more expensive stone will have sharper edges, cut faster and last longer than the comparatively “duller” grit on the less expensive stone. The extra cost of the expensive stone will be recovered in the shorter time and less effort it will take to put an edge on your knives.

Is there a difference in quality of whetstones?

As a whetstone professional, I have to admit that it is easy for even the most experienced sharpeners to make a mistake. This is because there are significant differences in the efficiency of whetstones – and they often depend on the metal of the knife being sharpened.

Is a 1000 and 3000 grit whetstone enough?

The Meaning of Different Whetstone Grits Furthermore, for repairing a dull knife you should go for 1000 to 3000 grit. And, 4000 to 8000 grit is used for refining the edge of a knife which is the finishing process. Finally, if you are sharpening a knife used for cutting meat you should choose 4000 to 6000 grits.

What grade of whetstone do I need?

For normal sharpening, stones from 700 to 2000 grit are used. We recommend stones from 700 to 1200 grit. To take off the fine scratches and burrs left by coarser stones, and to polish the surface, you can use stones starting at around 2000 grit.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive whetstones?

Find out the difference between cheap and expensive whetstones in the article below: Polishing stones are the higher grit stones. These stones are not efficient in removing enough material to be considered sharpening stones. They will, however, smooth and polish the sharp edge to enable the edge to cut more easily through objects.

Which Whetstone should I buy?

BTW: If you do not want to buy each whetstone separately, we recommend buying a whetstone set. The best option is to buy the Shapton Kuromaku Whetstone Set (Amazon link) with 320-grit fixing stone, 1000-grit sharpening stone, and 5000-grit polishing stone.

Are whetstones worth it?

A: Higher-quality whetstones can provide a more consistent grain, longer life, and better sharpening experience. They can be worth the investment if you require a high level of sharpness and precision. Q: What grit should I use for a knife that’s never been sharpened?

How much grit should a whetstone be?

Essentially the higher the grit level, the finer the stone. Some whetstones can be as fine as 8,000 grit. While these stones can take a long time to use, they produce a razor-sharp edge that’s smooth and consistent. We can, however, consider the 4,000 grit level as the bridge between knife sharpening and knife polishing.

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