If you’ve never sharpened a blade before …
…and aren’t sure how to use a whetstone…
…we’ll show you how.
First, here’s something to remember…
It’s nothing to be concerned about….
…and it’ll help your knife last longer!
Today, we’ll go through how to use a whetstone….
…the benefits of using one…
…and some typical blunders to avoid.
Whetstones and water stones are the same thing, right…
Prior to using sharpening stones…
…do you have to soak them?
Our discussion will include the answers to these questions…
…as well as helpful tips and tricks.
First, let’s hear Licie’s story…
Two months ago, I was taken into the emergency room…
….after hurting myself while using a knife.
I thought it wouldn’t be that bad…
since the knife is not that sharp…
so I just keep pushing it and ended up with a big scar.
Thank god, my parents were home that day.
Lesson learned, I should always sharpen my knife so it will be easier to use...
a sharp knife is actually a safer knife as well, because you can cut with a sharp utensil more easily and don’t need to force it, you’re less likely to injure yourself.
sharpeningsupplies.com
Here is why..
Why Use A Whetstone
You should follow certain maintenance procedures…
…in order to get the best performance…
…and longevity out of your knife.
Sharpening your knife on a regular basis…
…is an important aspect of that upkeep.
Regardless of the type of steel used in your blades…
…they will ultimately dull.
Sharpening is a good practice to get into…
…if you want to keep your blades in good working order.
Using a whetstone is arguably the most common method…
Types Of Stones
You can choose from several types of sharpening stones…
In the following sections, we describe various types of stones…
Whetstones do not need to be wet…
…as they are often confused with water stones.
Oil Stones
When it comes to sharpening knives...
…oil stones are one of the most common.
There are different kinds of oil stones…
…but they are traditionally made from quartz.
However, silicon carbide is the material that makes oil stones the fastest…
There are fine, medium, and coarse oil stones.
Water Stones
A wet stone, or water stone…
..is a stone that needs to be soaked before being used.
A five-minute session is usually sufficient…
As long as ten minutes can be soaked in a coarser stone….
Unlike oil stones, these stones are synthetic and softer…
Additionally, they are extremely popular for sharpening knives at home…
Diamond Stones
A diamond stone is generally thought of as the most technologically advanced…
..high-end sharpening stone.
Sharpening them quickly..
..and precisely makes them popular.
You can use it either with lubricant or without…
This type of stone requires a bit more investment..
..but it lasts longer than other stones.
High And Low Grit
The grit range is another variation among those stones listed above…
Fine, medium, or course grains may be present in the grit…
The smaller the grit, the coarser the stone…
Uses can be classified in the following ways…
- For perfecting the edge of your blade, you will need 4000-8000 grit
- Sharpening dull knives with 1000-3000 grit is the method of choice
- For repairing a chipped knife edge, less than 1000 are used
Now, let’s get into this…
How To Use A Whetstone
The manner in which they are used varies depending on the stone,..
..but it is very similar.
Depending on the type of stone you have…
…you will start with a dry or a lubricated one.
Here we go…
Make sure your stone is securely positioned on the counter…
Make sure the knife is facing away from you….
Set the handle end (15-20 degrees angle) on the whetstone….
Your other hand should be in the center of the flat edge of the blade…
Holding the blade at that angle…
…draw the blade down the stone in a circular motion.
Repetition is necessary…
Repeat the process on the other side of the knife…
Common Mistakes
Sharpening knives requires practice…
…just like any other technique.
When you are using a whetstone…
..you should avoid the following mistakes:
- You haven’t secured your stone properly
- You should start with a fairly sharp knife instead of one that is very dull (start with a relatively dull blade first).
- Incorrect angle of approach
- Use a very cheap knife to learn (don’t use your favorite)
- Your belief that the knife you bought does not require sharpening
Tips And Tricks
The following tips and tricks will help you use your whetstone properly…
Shelf liners work great for keeping stones in place…
In many manuals, manufacturers specify sharpening angles…
To start, start with the coarser side of the stone…
It is possible to check your knife’s sharpness by cutting some paper…
Gloves are recommended…
Make sure that the pressure and angle are the same throughout…
Whetstones should always be kept dry and clean…
How To Maintain Kitchen Knives?
Kitchen knives need to be maintained at all times.
A sharp knife in your kitchen…
…is one of the most valuable things you can have.
Peace of mind is priceless when it comes with it…
When you frequently use knives…
…dull ones are not ideal.
As important as any other appliance in the kitchen…
…knives need to be kept in good condition.
After using them, you should wash and dry them…
The dishwasher should not be used to wash them….
It’s never a good idea to procrastinate washing your knife…
As well as storing your knives well…
…you need to protect them.
Leaving them unattended is not recommended…
You can cover them with plastic knife guards…
…f you don’t have a safe place to store them.
Using a cutting board while cutting…
…is another way to maintain kitchen knives.
Do not cut food on granite or hard surfacess…
..a wood cutting board will do.
To keep your knife in good condition…
…you should also hone it regularly.
Presents you…Amazon’s Top Lists Whetstone!
- ✅ Superior Bundle: Your complete knife sharpening kit comes with double-sided (#1000/ #6000) premium quality whetstone, bamboo base for holding the stone, knife sharpening angle guide, a simple instruction manual & detailed ebook with lots of Tips & Tricks which will appeal at every skill level
- ✅ Multipurpose Use: Our professional-grade knife sharpener stone is highly durable & long-lasting. This whetstone sharpener can sharp any blade out there, be it any kitchen knife set, chef knife, steak knife, sontoku knife, paring knife, sushi knife, cleaver knife, kitchen knives, Japanese knife, butcher knife, paring knife, BBQ knife, Hunting Knife, Pocket Knife, Scissor, Chisel, Blade, Straight Razor & it can even sharp an axe.
- ✅ Safety: We understand the importance of safety when dealing with sharpening tools, your purchase comes with a Silicone base for holding the stone inside Non-Slip Bamboo base, this setup will ensure the stone is Fixed In One Place while sharpening. And knife sharpening angle guide allows you to maintain the Correct Angle and safely apply consistent pressure while sharpening the blade
- ✅ Easy To Use: Our sharpening Waterstone kit is extremely User Friendly & easy to assemble. Knife sharpener stone uses Water for sharpening, so no need of expensive sharpening/honing oils and No Mess while sharpening & it can be easily cleaned using water
- ✅ Premium Quality: Not all sharpening stones are created equal. We only import & source premium quality material for the manufacturing of our Whetstone which will provide superior cutting performance. No Compromise on quality. Get this simple yet unparalleled tool, used by everyone from stay at home moms to various professionals
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Made with superior silicon carbide, the 400 grit side is suitable for any daily sharpening, such as repairing the knives with big cutting edges, and polishing the knives, the 1000 grit will help you to make the knives more smooth after using the 400 grit
- No oil needed, just put the stone into water for 10-15 minutes before using and they are ready to use. You can always adding water on it while sharpening, with water the lubricating effect of grinding will be great and helps you to save strength
- One stone, unlimited professional knives. whetstone are compatible with all kinds of knives, including Chef knife, Hunting Knife, Pocket Knife,Japanese knife, butcher knife, paring knife, BBQ knife, Scissor, Chisel, Blade. Also works for hatchets, axes, carving and gardening tools
- Come with two 7x2.2x1.1inch sharping stone for beginners and a quick user guide of all the great tips for sharpening knives, also can be a great idea for household gifts
- This grindstone made of white corundum is quicker in pulping and high in self sharpening. When the white corundum grindstone is grinded, the new edges and corners will come up very fast, and the self sharpening property is good. Therefore, the grinding wheel dressing is not very frequent, and the work efficiency can be impro
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- 【Superior Bundle】Your complete knife sharpening kit comes with Japanese Grit Whetstone 400/1000 and 3000/8000 with beautiful Non Slip bamboo base for holding the waterstone securely during sharpening process; angle guide holds the knife on the correct angle; leather strop to polish knife and removing burr, flattening stone used for leveling, a pair of cut resistant gloves for protecting your hands, a simple instruction manual with lots of Tips & Tricks which will appeal at every skill level
- 【Premium Japanese Quality】Quality is of utmost importance to KERYE. Not all sharpening stones are created equal. Behind the Sakai KERYE brand is 600 plus years of knife making history by skilled craftsmen of Sakai City, Osaka. Originally famous for the production of Samurai swords, the makers in Sakai take pride in their work and never compromise on quality. We only source premium quality material for the manufacturing of our KERYE Whetstone which will provide superior sharpening performance
- 【Razor Sharp Results】There is old saying: A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife. With finely polished razor-sharp edges using KERYE premium water stone, your knives will require less force to get through produce giving you more control, reducing stress & preventing injuries to your wrist and hand. With Sharp Knives, you can properly cut & finely chop veggies/meat allowing the cooking method to penetrate more adding great texture, aroma & flavor to your delicious & appealing dishes
- 【Safe & Easy to Use】A dedicated bamboo base, non-slip rubber are attached to stabilize the whetstone firmly. A pair of cut resistant gloves can protect your hand from cuts. With the angle guide, you can stabilize the angle of the knife when sharpening it, and even beginners can easily sharpen the knife neatly. The user manual with pictures is simple and clear in order to help you assemble & use. Whetstone can be easily cleaned with water, no need of expensive sharpening/honing oils
- 【Multipurpose Usage 】KERYE professional-grade knife sharpener stone is highly durable & long-lasting. This whetstone sharpener set can sharp any blade out there, be it any kitchen knife set, Chef knife, Steak knife, Santoku knife, Paring knife, Sushi knife, Cleaver knife, Fruit knife, Japanese knife, Butcher knife, Bbq knife, Hunting Knife, Pocket Knife, Scissor, Chisel, Blade, Straight Razor & it can even sharp an Axe. The set is also a great exquisite gift idea for your friends and fam
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
More About Whetstone
Whetstones can be used dry?…
The answer is yes…
It is not necessary for a whetstone to be wet…
Sharpen is the meaning of the word “whet.”…
There are some whetstones that are used wet, but not all…
You need to follow the instructions that correspond..
…to the kind of stone you’ve purchased.
Is soaking a whetstone necessary?…
There is a type of whetstone…
…called a water stone that must be soaked.
What is the recommended soaking time for a whetstone?…
Wet stones should be soaked for five to ten minutes…
…before being used to sharpen a blade.
What is the recommended frequency of whetstone use?…
If you use your whetstone once a month to sharpen your knife…
…it will probably be fine, depending on the grit…
You can use a ceramic sharpening rod…
…between sharpenings to keep it in good condition.
Sum Up
You will not regret investing in a whetstone no matter what your budget is…
Knives can be kept in great shape with regular maintenance…
…including regular sharpening.
While you are learning how to use a whetstone…
…you should work on a knife that isn’t too important until you master it it.
Once you’re comfortable with the process…
…you can move on to your favorite blades!
Sharpening knives with a wetstone…
..is still one of the safest and most effective methods..
..for sharpening kitchen knives.
To use a whetstone, you need to be familiar with its uses….
Defining the best angle for sharpening can be challenging at times…
..especially when using certain methods.
Doing it severally will enhance your sharpening skills…
You must also understand that whetstones work best when wet…
…and should be maintained regularly.
Sharp knives will make your cooking more enjoyable….
In addition, using a whetstone is easier…
…and cheaper than using a knife sharpener.
Conclusion
You can use a whetstone for kitchen knives…
…as well as your trusty pocket knife
…and get the most performance out of them…
Do you want to know more about cleaning…
maintaining, or sharpening knives?
All the guides can be found right here!
We also want to hear your story, so comment below!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
