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.
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?
Is there a difference in quality of whetstones?
Is a 1000 and 3000 grit whetstone enough?
What grade of whetstone do I need?
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.