Using a dull knife when slicing meat and other types of food can be frustrating and even dangerous at times. If you are always preparing food and have used a dull knife at least once, then you probably appreciate the importance of having the best sharpening stone in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
- Best Sharpening Stone in 2018 – Comparison
- At A Glance: Our Choices for The Best Sharpening Stone
- Best Sharpening Stone – Reviews
- #1. DMT WM8CX WB 8-Inch – Best Sharp Bench Stone
- #2. DMT D8ME Medium-Extra-Fine Dia-Sharp Bench Stone
- #3. Steelex D1071 8000 Grit – Best Japanese Waterstone
- #4. DMT DIA-FLAT Lapping Plate
- #5. Norton Waterstone Woodworker Package
- #6. Shapton 8000 Grit (Melon) Professional Series Whetstone
- #7. Norton Flattening Stone for Waterstones
- How to Choose a Great Sharpening Stone?
- Conclusion
A sharpening stone may seem like a simple tool that is used to sharpen knives, but there are actually a lot of styles and sizes that choosing the perfect one for you can be overwhelming. What we can do to help is to present you with our best sharpening stone reviews, which we hope can somehow give you valuable tips and ideas.
Best Sharpening Stone in 2018 – Comparison
| Name | Brand | Weight | Dimension | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMT WM8CX-WB 8-Inch | DMT | 1.2 pounds | 12.2 x 4.6 x 2 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| DMT D8ME Medium-Extra-Fine Dia-Sharp | DMT | 1.85 pounds | 8 x 3 x 0.4 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Steelex D1071 8000 Grit Japanese Waterstone | Steelex | 1.95 pounds | 10.1 x 3.6 x 2 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| DMT DIA-FLAT Lapping Plate | DMT | 2.2 pounds | 10 x 4 x 0.4 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Norton Waterstone Starter | Norton Abrasives | 4.49 pounds | — | Check Price Read Review |
| Shapton 8000 Grit (Melon) Professional Series | Shapton | 1.11 pounds | 8.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches | Check Price Read Review |
| Norton Flattening Stone for Waterstones | Norton | 1.58 pounds | 11.8 x 4.8 x 1.6 inches | Check Price Read Review |
At A Glance: Our Choices for The Best Sharpening Stone
The DMT D8ME Medium-Extra-Fine Dia-Sharp Bench Stone has an edge over conventional stones because it features DMT’s monocrystalline diamond surface which sharpens knives faster. It also provides a durable and flat sharpening surface which assures eve contact with the item that will be sharpened.
DMT assures consumers that their product is the best diamond sharpening stone that you can find in the market. However, because of its fast sharpening action, it is not recommended for pointed knives or tools that are very small.
If you want a sharpening stone that does not only hone but also polishes tools for a mirror finish, the Steelex D1071 8000 Grit Japanese Waterstone might be a great choice for you. Considered by some as the best Japanese sharpening stone, it is also great for sharpening high quality, professional knives that already have a good edge.
Another product by DMT is the DMT DIA-FLAT Lapping Plate which boasts of Diamond Hardcoat Technology that can outlast any other diamond coating in the market. It also has the largest surface area of any diamond lapping plate.
The Norton Waterstone Woodworker Package might be the best sharpening stone for chisels, plane irons, and other cutting tools that a serious woodworker needs. They sharpen quickly and leave behind a quality edge too.
Meanwhile, if you want something that you can use to sharpen a variety of knives and edges, including small and pointed tools, you might want to consider the DMT WM8CX-WB 8-Inch Duo Sharp Plus Bench Stone – Coarse/Extra Coarse with Base. For less than a hundred bucks, you can even use it to repair a damaged edge because of its extra-coarse diamonds.
Shapton 8000 Grit (Melon) Professional Series Whetstone is part of the Shapton Sharpening Stone Professional Series, which is considered to be some of the highest quality sharpening stones on the market. It is also one of the hardest which makes it incredibly durable.
If you want an easy to use flattening method for Waterstones, you can consider Norton Flattening Stonefor Waterstones, 3/4″ x 3″ x 9″ in plastic case which was manufactured by Norton Abrasives. It promotes maximum cutting due to the coarse grit silicon carbide and provides a channel for debris with its diagonal grooves.
Best Sharpening Stone – Reviews
#1. DMT WM8CX WB 8-Inch – Best Sharp Bench Stone
The WM8CX-WB 8-Inch Duo Sharp Plus Bench Stone can be a good contender for being the best sharpening stone for kitchen knives because it can be used for a wide variety of knives, whether big or small. It can also be used to sharpen pointed tools, thanks to its continuous diamond zone.
Like other sharpening stones from DMT, it also has a monocrystalline diamond surface, which allows it to sharpen knives faster than conventional stones. It also provides a more durable sharpening surface because of DMT’s assurance that they process the most diamonds per square inch in the industry.
Because this product can be used for a wide variety of knives and edges other than those found in the kitchen, this may also be considered by some as the best sharpening stone for pocket knives, hatchets, machetes, utility knives, chisels, plane irons, and many more.
People who already used it think that this product is not just convenient, it is very easy to use too. The large surface, as well as the two different grits, are also some of the features that most consumers liked about the product.
- Can be used for a wide variety of knives and edges
- Can repair a damaged edge
- Can be used dry or with water
- Requires breaking in
- Base is made of plastic
If you are still on the lookout for the best stone for sharpening knives, make sure that you check the DMT WM8CX-WB 8-Inch Duo Sharp Plus Bench Stone to see if it has the qualities that you are looking for.
#2. DMT D8ME Medium-Extra-Fine Dia-Sharp Bench Stone
If you are looking for the best sharpening stone for knives, you might want to check this product out because its sharpening surface can accommodate different kinds of knives as well as small pointed tools.
Its main selling point is its micronized monocrystalline diamonds which ensure that particles will not get sheared off with each use. This feature is also said to sharpen knives faster than conventional sharpening stones.
When using the D8ME Bench Stone, there is no need to use oil as you only need to use soapy water when sharpening your tools.
Priced at around a hundred bucks, this might be a good investment because it has a durable construction which could mean that you can use it for many years. If you use it properly, it might provide you with a consistent performance and reliable service.
The durability is made possible by HardCoat, which is DMT’s newest proprietary surface. The manufacturer claims that with this feature, the sharpening stone can withstand the harshness of ceramic sharpening, thus providing longer service.
If you look at some sharpening stone reviews, those who already tried using the D8ME Bench Stone claim that it is low maintenance and extremely convenient to use. It is also flat and very effective at sharpening, which is what a sharpening stone should be.
- Can accommodate a wide range of edges
- Faster than conventional sharpening methods
- Has a durable construction
- Requires longer break in period
- Manufacturer needs to work on quality control
With its pros and cons laid out, the DMT D8ME Medium-Extra-Fine Dia-Sharp Bench Stone might be the best sharpening stone for you so you might want to check it out.
#3. Steelex D1071 8000 Grit – Best Japanese Waterstone
Woodworkers use different kinds of tools which are all important for them to do their jobs well. They also need the best sharpening stone set and Steelex D1071 8000 Grit Japanese Waterstone might be it.
This Japanese water stone works fast and allows you to achieve a surgically sharp edge on your tools. One of its great features is the abrasive slurry that is produced on top of the stone, which cuts aggressively and polishes the blade as it sharpens.
Your tools can also have a mirror finish because aside from honing, water stones also polish your tools. With this feature, you may no longer have to use polishing compounds.
Just by using water to lubricate the cutting edge, you can achieve great results fast.
Looking at any sharpening stone review can help you get to know more information about a product. Some consumers say that the Steelex Japanese Waterstone is an amazing product which puts a great working edge on knives.
- Comes mounted on wood base
- Puts a very fine polish on different blades
- Makes knives sharp
- Can be easily ruined by cheap knives
- A bit pricey compared to other water stones
Whether you are looking for the best sharpening stone for Japanese knife or other knives that you have, you might want to give Steelex D1071 8000 Grit Japanese Waterstone a shot.
#4. DMT DIA-FLAT Lapping Plate
In order to maintain the best sharpening stone, you also need to have a lapping plate or a flattening stone to sharpen it. The DIA-Flat Lapping Plate might be one of the best in the market because of its unique Diamond Hardcoat Technology.
The said technology is said to outlast other diamond coatings on the market, which is a good thing because, with this product’s price of almost two hundred dollars, you would want to get the best value.
The good thing is, it facilitates quick and easy flattening of conventional stones and water stones with its aggressive surface. This is the reason why many users find this lapping plate to be very convenient.
When compared to other diamond lapping plates, the DIA-Flat is found to have the largest surface area. In fact, it is 50% larger than the others which is probably the reason why it is also more expensive.
Those who already used this lapping plate thinks that it really does well in flattening stones and it also does it fast. It also allows a more accurate sharpening of tools such as plane irons and glass stones.
- Large surface area which allows ease of use
- Durable construction
- Revolutionary DMT Hardcoat Technology
- Maybe a bit overpriced
- Leaves water stones with a scratched surface
If you do not mind spending more than the usual, then you might find the DMT DIA-FLAT Lapping Plate to be the one that you need.
#5. Norton Waterstone Woodworker Package
If you want to maintain the quality of your cutting tools, you need to have the best knife sharpening stone kit and this might be the one. The Norton Waterstone Woodworker Package includes a Norton 220/1000 grit combination Waterstone, a 4000/8000 grit combination Waterstone, and a flattening stone.
This might be a good choice for woodworkers who need to have their tools in their best form. This package promises quick sharpening ability as well as leaving a quality edge on tools.
It uses water as the lubricant that is why it develops a fast cutting slurry. For best results, it is recommended that you soak them in water for a few minutes before use so that you can allow the pores of the stones to become fully saturated.
The package also includes a Sharpening Woodworking Tools DVD which many customers liked, especially those who do not have much experience in woodworking and the use of water stones.
Those who have used the product believe that this package is a nice investment in sharpening as it helps make all hand work easier.
- Complete package
- Instructional DVD for beginners
- Leaves quality edges
- Takes some time to break in and get the initial edge
- Wears down fast
If you are a serious woodworker who needs the best sharpening stone for axe or thinks that high quality tools is a must, then the Norton Waterstone Woodworker Package just might be the product that you are looking for.
#6. Shapton 8000 Grit (Melon) Professional Series Whetstone
Also vying for the title of being the best knife sharpening stone is the Shapton 8000 Grit Whetstone. It is said to give your knives a razor sharp edge with a mirror like polish.
This high-end ceramic whetstone is designed to be used for various edged tools such as kitchen knives, chef’s knives, carpenter’s tools, razors, and other general cutleries. It may be a professional series but it may also be used at home.
The stone of the Shapton 8000 was fired to a high temperature with a mixture of very fine abrasive and a clay binder, which makes it a durable product. It also includes a dual purpose storage case which can also be used as a stone holder when you use it for sharpening.
Another great thing about it is that you can use it immediately as it is not necessary to submerge it in water for a long time. We find this useful, especially when working on the schedule and there is just no time to leave the stone in water before use.
Because of the high percentage of hard grains, this whetstone also has a high polish power. It is also durable and can be used longer than conventional water stones.
Some of those who have bought the product say that this can be the best knife sharpener stone in the market because it is made of high quality material and does a fine job in sharpening. It may be expensive, but some thought that the price was well worth the performance of the product.
- High quality material
- Does not leave any stink
- Good durability
- A bit expensive for most consumers
- Case/base was made of plastic
You may still be wondering what is the best sharpening stone that you can find in the market. The Shapton 8000 Grit (Melon) Professional Series Whetstone may or may not be it, but you will never know if you do not check it out.
#7. Norton Flattening Stone for Waterstones
This is another flattening stone that you can use to maintain the flat surface of your best kitchen knife sharpening stone, once you finally find it. It is precisely level and has a hard bond to keep the flat surfaces of water stones.
It also has coarse-grit silicon carbide, which gives it maximum cutting power. Silicon carbide is a high quality ceramic that is also an excellent abrasive, which is a nice feature of this flattening stone because the material makes it stronger and more durable.
The diagonal grooves also provide channels for material removal, making the task of removing debris easier for you.
It is designed to have superb flatness and hard bond so that it can produce an extremely flat result on water stones as well. You might also appreciate that Norton Abrasives has met ISO certification for quality and environmental management standards.
If you look at some best sharpening stone review,
Consumers loved the product because it works well with most stones and works well as a flattening stone for straight, razor sharpening stones. According to those who already used it, it really does the job as expected and provides great results with just a couple of strokes.
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Produces extremely flat results
- Not entirely flat, with a curve on the stone
- Not durable enough
If you need a cheap flattening stone, you can consider the Norton Flattening Stone for Waterstones to be one of your choices.
How to Choose a Great Sharpening Stone?
There are a lot of sharpening stones available on the market that it is important for you to know that there is a vast difference among them.
First, you should not shop based on the brand, but rather, look at the quality of the material. If you buy a good sharpening stone, it will most likely last two to ten times longer than a cheap one.
It is also important that you buy your sharpening stones from a company or manufacturer which can offer you good advice on how you can use them. This will be useful especially if you are a beginner.
When selecting sharpening stones, start with those that will be enough to repair any minor chips on your knives. A good starting point is both the #400 and #1000 grit stone.
It should also put enough polish on the edge of your knives. Look for a sharpening stone with a decent sized deck and large surface so that you will not have any difficulty balancing your knife when you use it.
Experts say that the safest bet is to start with a set of quality synthetic stones because they are easy to use and low maintenance. You might also want to look for something that is of excellent quality, reliable, durable, and with no soaking time required.
But, a synthetic stone set is not the only way to go. You can also consider the three main systems that are available to you and these are water stones, oil stones, and diamond stones, just like some of the items that we have reviewed.
Others include sandpaper on granite, glass, and ceramic stones. It may be confusing for you at first, but you can ask the experts and do your own research to clarify your confusion and make the process of choosing easier and more manageable for you.
Conclusion
Among the products that we have reviewed, we think that the best one is the DMT WM8CX-WB 8-Inch Duo Sharp Plus Bench Stone, simply because of its versatility and great features. It can be used to sharpen a wide variety of knives and edges, giving you great value for your money.
More importantly, it is manufactured by a company which specializes in sharpening products so you know that you are getting something that you can really depend on.
Your search for the best sharpening stone does not have to be too complicated. The best is still subjective to your personal preference, but you should take into consideration the product that can do a job well and can serve a lot of purposes at a reasonable price.
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