Having a hard time keeping your knife sharp? Turns out, you need to give the edges a good sharpening every once in a while. Get the best knife-sharpening stone kit for that.
You can finally hone your knife edges and effortlessly control the sharpening process’s angle, pressure, and grit.
But there are more than a couple of options out there. After our testing, we gathered eight of them, depending on quality, durability, ease of use, versatility, and value for money. Find a sharpening stone kit that suits all your knife sharpening needs.
What Are The Best Knife Sharpening Stone Kit
We checked out more than 30 knife-sharpening stones and found these eight to be the best. Here they are:
- Best Overall: Norton Combination Oil Stone
- Best For Faster Sharpness: DMT Dia-Sharp Bench Stone
- Best For Portability: Lansky Puck Sharpening Stone
- Best For Beginners: Lansky Turn Box
- Best For durability and heavy-duty use: Spyderco Ceramic Bench Stone
- Best For Sharpening Serrated Knives: Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker
- Best For Sharpening Japanese Knives: Dalstrong Premium Whetstone Kit
- Best For Professional Use: Naniwa Professional
Comparison Chart: Best Knife Sharpening Stone Kit
| Santoku Knife | Best For | Grit Range | Dimension | Soaking Time | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Combination Oil Stone | Control, all types of knives, portability, etc. | 220 to 8000 | 8″ x 3″ x 1″ | 10 to 15 minutes | 2.9 pounds | Check Price |
| DMT Dia-Sharp Bench Stone | Faster Sharpening | 4000 | 13.25 x 13.25 x 11.5 inches | 10 mins max | 2.20 pounds | Check Price |
| Lansky Puck Sharpening Stone | Easy carrying | 120-280 | 9.5 x 5 x 1.13 inches | Not needed | 0.26 Kilograms | Check Price |
| Lansky Turn Box | Newbies | 600-1000 | 9.5 x 5 x 1.25 inches | A quick dip is enough | 5.6 ounces | Check Price |
| Spyderco Ceramic Bench Stone | Almost anything you throw at it. Highly Durable and heavy-duty | About 2000 | 10.9 x 4.6 x 0.6 inches | 10 minutes | 1.05 Pounds | Check Price |
| Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker | Serrated Knives | Up to 2000 | 10 x 10 x 2 inches | A quick dip is enough | 1 pound | Check Price |
| Dalstrong Premium Whetstone Kit | Japanese Style Knives | 1000-8000 | 3.50 x 4.50 x 3.70 in | 10 to 15 minutes | 6 ounces | Check Price |
| Naniwa Professional | Professional Use | 1000 | 8.9 x 3.27 x 1.42 inches | Not needed | A few ounces only | Check Price |
8 Best Knife Sharpening Stone Kit In 2023
If you are stuck until now, you must really want perfect sharpness. Go through the one that suits your needs below:
1. Best Overall: Norton Combination Oil Stone
Key Features
- Grit range: 220 to 8000
- Stone dimensions: 8″ x 3″ x 1″
- Abrasive material: Aluminum oxide
- Bonding material: Ceramic water stone
- Construction: Dual-sided stone (coarse and fine)
- Base material: Plastic with non-slip feet
- Soaking time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Recommended use: Sharpening knives, tools, and blades
- Compatibility: Can be used with water or honing oil
- Cleaning method: Rinse with water and let air dry
- Sharpening angle: Recommended angle guide included (15-17 degrees)
- Color: Grey (coarse side) and brown (fine side)
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
$68.50
Pros
- Consistent sharpening results every time
- Smooth and polished edges on blades
- Versatile and suitable for a range of knives
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Durable and long-lasting performance
Cons
- You need to keep the angle and pressure just right.
When you want full control of the edge angle, sharpness, and retention, the Norton Combination Oil Stone may be the best knife sharpening kit yet. Its exceptional versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance make it perfect for any knife type. Getting a sharp blade can’t get any easier.
Here are some features of the knife:
Achieve Razor-Sharp Blades every time.
Trying to make your knife as sharp as possible? The Norton knife sharpening kit features a fine-grit side and aluminum oxide abrasive build, giving you the edge you always wanted. Plus, a coarse-grit side for quick sharpening.
Sturdy base for perfectly polished Edges
The wooden holder provides stability while sharpening, allowing you to apply the right amount of pressure for a perfectly polished edge. You will also get a built-in reservoir that collects the oil and water, which is a lifesaver for easy cleaning.
Faster sharpening and easy maintenance
The stone features a fast-cutting aluminum oxide abrasive and sturdy base, allowing for faster sharpening without too much pressure or effort. Though the kit has oil stones, you can also use water, so any spills are wipeable with a damp cloth.
If the stones start to curve up, just use the flattening stone to straighten the curve.
Highly versatile to everyone
Don’t worry if you just started. It is an excellent tool for sharpening all types of cutting tools, including kitchen, hunting, garden, and woodworking.
2. Best For Faster Sharpness: DMT Dia-Sharp Bench Stone
Key Features
- Dimensions: 13.25 x 13.25 x 11.5 inches
- USA-made: Yes
- Style: Extra-Fine
- Number Of Pieces: 1
- Measurement System: Metric
- Grit Rating: 4000
- Grit Description: Extra Fine, Fine
- Special Features: Manual
- Included Components: Dia-Sharp Magnabase System
- Diamond stones: Monocrystalline Diamond Surface
$161.65
Pros
- Sharpens any knife quickly and efficiently
- No oil or water is required.
- Extra-fine diamond grit for just polishing
- Fine diamond grit for a razor-sharp edge
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
Cons
- Not for putting an initial edge
What if you want to put an edge blazing fast? Well, with the DMT D12DEF, it can’t get any easier. It’s the best diamond stone that can integrate a fine edge to any dull knife. You can sharpen your pocket knife, hunting knife, and any kitchen knife for decades to come.
Here are some features of the blade:
Quick and easy sharpness
Featuring a delicate diamond grit of 25 microns (600 mesh), this stone sharpens knives faster than conventional ones. A monocrystalline diamond stone’s surface ensures consistent and reliable sharpening performance and can be used dry or with water.
Smoother finish on the edges
The Dia-Sharp Bench Stone’s extra-fine diamond surface grit of 9 microns (1200 mesh) can polish and smoothen an edge with refined finish. All while the full-length magnet holds the heavy steel plate securely on the stand.
Improves knife performance
A sharp knife can cut, slice, or dice more efficiently, and with greater precision, food preparation can’t get any easier. The stone’s fine diamond grit provides a razor-sharp edge, making even cheap stamped kitchen knives feel premium.
3. Best For Portability: Lansky Puck Sharpening Stone
Key Features
- Coarse Grit: 120
- Medium Grit: 280
- Material: Synthetic
- Design: Dual grit, easy-to-grip compact design
- Uses: All types of blades and axes
- Item Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 1.13 inches
- Item Weight: 0.26 Kilograms
- Color: Gray
- Material: Synthetic
$11.80
Pros
- Restores dull edge to sharpness
- Improves cutting precision and accuracy
- The long-lasting lifespan of blades
- Saves money on blade replacements
- Provides a satisfying sharpening experience
Cons
- Separate stones are not available. It’s a one-stone build.
Are you someone who likes to go camping often? The Lansky Puck sharpening can sharpen almost anything, even big bulky axes. It weighs just 0.26 kg and is just 9.13 x 4.65 x 1.38 inches. A great portable coarse stone for any journey.
Here are some features of the knife:
Sharpen Any Knife On-The-Go
The sharp pebble design allows you to sharpen your knives on your terms, whether you’re at home or in the great outdoors. Quickly and easily sharpen, hone, or polish any blade, regardless of its size or shape.
Professional Quality Sharpening: On Your Terms
Made from high-quality materials, the Lansky Puck is one of the best sharpening stones for pros. The Puck’s 120-grit side is perfect for repairing damaged or dull edges, while the 280-grit side is excellent for honing and maintaining a sharp edge.
Efficient and Effective Sharpening (Indoors or Outdoors)
A dual grit design ensures you can efficiently repair any damaged or dull edges. Then again, its honing capabilities make your knives stay sharp for more extended periods of time.
4. Best For Beginners: Lansky Turn Box
Key Features
- Sharpening Type: Box
- Material used: Ceramic
- Rod grit: Medium (600) and fine (1000)
- Angle guides: 20 and 25 degrees
- Angle control: Fixed
- Rod holder material: Plastic
- Rod holder color: Gray
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Handle material: Plastic
- Handle color: Gray
- Rod length: 5 inches
$26.00
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners or mid-level users
- Portable for on-the-go sharpening
- Provides consistent and precise results
- Suitable for various types of knives, especially kitchen knives
- Versatile with adjustable angles
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Inexperienced at knife sharpening? The Lansky Turn Box is the ideal solution for you. It provides a pre-fixed 20-25 degree sharpness angle with two sets of medium and fine grits. So, you can get the perfect sharpening angle without any previous experience.
Let’s look at some of its features:
Ideal for those new to knife sharpening
These compact and easy-to-use honing stone ceramic sticks will help new sharpeners achieve razor-sharp edges on their knives in no time. All you need is to spray some water on the sticks, and the pre-fixed angles will take care of all shapes and sized blades.
Highly stable and 20-25 degree sharpness angle
Though you won’t get a 15-degree sharpness angle, the 20-25 degrees one of this sharpening system isn’t half bad either, i.e., for the newbies.
It has a stable base, so your knives will achieve the perfect sharpness for slicing through meats, veggies, and more.
Two sets of medium-grit and fine grit
The Lansky Turn Box offers two sets of sharpening stones, one set of medium grit and one set of fine grit. You can choose the grit levels, depending on where you want to restore dull blades or hone and maintain sharp edges.
5. Best For durability and heavy-duty use: Spyderco Ceramic Bench Stone
Key Features
- Material: Ceramic
- Stone Grit: Ultra-fine
- Overall Length: 8 inches
- Overall Width: 3 inches
- Stone Shape: Flat
- Stone Type: Alumina Ceramic
- Stone Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale
- Lubrication: Not required (no oil or water needed)
- Manufacturing Process: Binding agent combined with Alumina particles
- Manufacturing Temperature: 3000 degrees F (1649 degrees C)
- Suitable For: Wide tools like chisels, large blades, woodworking equipment, plane irons, ski and snowboard edges
$98.70
Pros
- Achieve razor-sharp edge easily
- Versatile for various blade types
- Compact and easy to store
- Long-lasting and durable material
- Improves overall cutting performance
Cons
- The ceramic stone isn’t exactly flat. It’s a bit curved.
The higher the stone quality, the better it will last. This is where the Spyderco Ceramic Bench Stone shines the most. You will have reliable sharpening performance while remaining durable and long-lasting for years.
Chisels, large blades, woodworking equipment, and so on, this stone is more than enough for all. Here are some features of the knife stone:
Lightweight but highly durable
The Spyderco Alumina ceramic stone is not like your average sharpening tool. It has been kiln fired to a temperature of 3000 degrees F (1649 degrees C), making it highly resistant to external pressure. All being lightweight.
Ultra smooth for professionally finishing
The ultra-fine grit of the stone can bring even the dullest blades to shape. After just 10 mins of use, you should be able to split a hair in two. It’s similar to a 2000-grit wet stone but much more durable and provides a professional finish.
Lubrication-free and Reshaping are rarely needed.
Due to the alumina ceramic, the stone has a Mohs hardness of 9. So, the stone is insanely tough and doesn’t require any lubrication like oil or water. The best part is you won’t need to use reshaping grit too often.
6. Best For Sharpening Serrated Knives: Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker
Key Features
- Item Weight: 1 pound
- Stone Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2 inches
- Material: ABS plastic base/storage case
- Sharpening Angles: 30 degrees or 40 degrees
- Sharpening Stone Type: High Alumina Ceramic
- Stone Grit: 2 Medium and 2 Fine
- Safety Rods: Included
- Portable Design: Yes
- Recommended for: Knives, scissors, awls, and other tools
- Sharpening Process: Remove steel at the edge while maintaining a consistent angle
- Fine Stone Usage: Professional-grade finishing
- Medium Stone Usage: Aggressive sharpening
$96.32
Pros
- Easy to use and fast
- Works on all types of knives
- Provides professional-grade finishing
- Comes with safety rods
- Portable and travel-friendly
Cons
- Not for the pros
Resharpening serrated knives is easier said than done. You need to find the perfect sharpness and make sure the sharpener snugs perfectly in between the teeth. The Spyderco Triangle offers the best-serrated knife sharpening experience.
Here are some features of the stone:
Bring back your old knife to life.
The Spyderco Triangle has rounded edges and a fine-grit ceramic stone, giving you access to the recesses of each serration. Restore the teeth to their original sharpness without damaging the construction.
Easy-to-Use Sharpener for All Skill Levels
You don’t have to go on a rampage or any skill level to use this knife sharpener. Its durable ABS plastic base contains keyed holes for an accurate 30° or 40° sharpening angle. You hardly need to worry about not getting a good sharpening.
Portable and Travel-Friendly Design
Sharpen blades like a pro with a portable and travel-friendly sharpening system. All components snap into the self-contained ABS plastic base and lid for easy storage. Afterward, the safety rod protects your hand in case something goes south.
7. Best For Sharpening Japanese Knives: Dalstrong Premium Whetstone Kit
Key Features
- Grit Range: 1000-8000
- Material: Natural Or Synthetic
- Size: 6-8 Inches
- Shape: Rectangular Or Square
- Thickness: 1-2 Inches
- Abrasiveness: Coarse, Medium, Or Fine
- Durability: Long-Lasting
- Compatibility: For Specific Types Of Knives Or All-Purpose
- Base Material: Bamboo, Rubber, Or Plastic
- Sharpening Time: Varies Based On Grit Level And Blade Condition
$119.00
Pros
- Restores dull Japanese knives to razor-sharp precision
- Provides professional-grade sharpening at home
- Easy to use and suitable for all skill levels
- Durable and stable, ensuring long-lasting use
- Enhances the performance and longevity of all knives
Cons
- Requires soaking before use
There are a lot of Japanese knife options, starting from Sujihiki, Petty, Honesuki, Nakiri, and a lot more. You can go for natural stones to sharpen them up, but they need a bit more time and effort. Luckily, the Dalstrong Knife Stone Kit can sharpen nearly all Japanese knives in just minutes.
Here are some features of the knife:
Works on all Japanese knives
The Dalstrong Premium Whetstone Kit, with its versatile 1000/6000 grit combination, can sharpen both single and double-bevel Japanese knives with ease. Even if you can’t use a stone properly, the non-slip base and detailed instruction manual will help you out.
Professional grade finish with razor-sharp edges
Turns out, the 1000-grit side of the stone quickly sharpens dull or damaged blades, while the 6000-grit side polishes and hones the edge to a razor-sharp finish. Not getting a pro-finish on your knives is rarely possible.
Highly Stable and easy to use
A non-slip bamboo base stabilizes your sharpening process, and ensures safety and effectiveness. You will also get flattening stone built-in, so in case there is a curve to the stone, just straighten it up.
8. Best For Professional Use: Naniwa Professional
Key Features
- Size: 210 x 75 x 30 mm
- Weight: 1Kg
- Grit: 1000
- Type: Medium finishing
- Material: WA, Fused alumina
- Made in: Japan
- Application: Stainless Steel, Damascus steel, or High Carbon steel
- Chemical Feature: Will not change its condition
- Added feature: Comes with a sturdy stone holder base
- Precautions: Please do not leave it in water.
$75.46
Pros
- Versatile for many types of blades
- Excellent grinding power and efficiency
- Leaves a consistent 1k scratch pattern
- Very smooth with a pleasant feeling
- Thick and wide for longer knives
Cons
- It may load up with use. But it’s not always a problem.
When you work in a restaurant, you need instant sharpness on every slice. Plus, you don’t have the time to sharpen the knife for hours. The Naniwa Abrasive Mfg sharpening stone can put an edge to your blade in a few rubs. You don’t have to put your customers to wait due to a dull knife.
Here are some features of the Naniwa Professional Knife:
Faster edges (Put an edge in just seconds)
If you’re a professional, you need to put an edge pronto. Having a grit of 1000, this fine stone can grind away the dull layer, making it ideal for medium finishing purposes. Its thickness of 30mm+ and width of 210mm is perfect for longer knives like brisket, bread knives, etc.
Usable on various knives, scissors, cutters, etc.
The high-grade chemical grinding stone has fused alumina, ensuring its wear resistance and durability for all knife types, scissors, and so on.
Regardless of the type of blade you have, whether it be stainless steel, high carbon steel, or premium Damascus, you won’t be disappointed.
Hone the edges as well.
Apart from sharpening your tools, the Naniwa Professional DX Whetstone can also hone the edges, leaving them with a consistent 1k scratch pattern. Its smooth surface provides a nice feeling when sharpening, and if you’re light and quick, you will have an edge in no time.
How Do I Choose A Knife Sharpening Stone Kit: Buying Guide
Can’t seem to find the right sharpening stone for your knives? Don’t let dull knives ruin your cooking hours. Here are a few tips on how you can choose the best sharpening stone:
Consider Grit Size
The grit size of the sharpening stone determines how abrasive it is for the sharpening process. A coarse surface grit (200-400) is ideal for sharpening dull or damaged knives, while finer grit stones (1000-6000) are best for honing.
Look For A Sturdy Base (Rubber Or Silicone)
No one likes a wobbly sharpening base. There are non-slip base options that prevent accidents and ensure stability during use. If you tend to buy a cheaper one, find a rubber or silicone base to complement your kit.
Check The Materials (Choose From Diamond, Ceramic, Or Natural Stone)
When you want the best of the best, choose a kit with high-quality materials, like diamond, ceramic, or natural stone. It offers more long-lasting sharpening and effectiveness. Unlike cheaper aluminum oxide ones, they will rarely curve in the middle after a few rounds of use.
Consider The Size And Double Sided Feature
Here, the size you need totally depends on your knife size and how often you sharpen it. A larger stone is more efficient for sharpening large knives, while a smaller stone is more handled and stored.
On top of that, double-sided stones can also be a good option if you travel often. For regular-sized works, a 6 to 8 inches long stones kit is more than enough.
Look For Additional Features And Accessories
Some knife-sharpening stone kits come with additional features and accessories that can enhance your sharpening experience. For example, they include angle guides or honing oil to help you maintain consistent angles and reduce friction.
Others may come with carrying cases, leather strop, sharpening jigs, or different types of stones for different purposes; it’s your call.
Always pick a reputable brand and read reviews.
Only a reputed brand can provide you with premium performance, durability, and ease of use. Don’t be swayed by flashy marketing or overly low prices. Read a few reviews here and there, and then pick your kit.
Which Is Better Knife Sharpener Or Stone?
A stone is better than a knife sharpener as it will give you a better finish and edge retention. However, It depends on personal preference and skill level. A knife sharpener is easier to use, but for better precision and customization, a stone is better.
What Whetstone Do Chefs Use?
Chefs use a stone with 1000 grit or less. The thing is, they need instant sharpness for perfect slicing and dicing. A 1000-grit stone gives you a medium edge, which takes a few seconds at best to put on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A 1000-6000 Whetstone Good?
Yes. A 1000-6000 Whetstone is good. You can use the stone grits for both coarse and fine sharpening. The more grit range you have, the finer your edge will get.
Is A Sharpening Stone Better Than A Knife Sharpener?
Well, it depends on your knife sharpening experience. Sharpening stones allow for more precision and control over the sharpening process. On the other hand, knife sharpeners are often quicker and more convenient.
Do You Wet A Stone Before Sharpening A Knife?
You need to wet a stone before sharpening a knife. Though it's not always required, natural and synthetic stones do need oil or water to stay lubricated. It gives you a smoother sharpening process.
How Long Does It Take To Sharpen A Knife On A Wet Stone?
Generally speaking, it will take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to sharpen a knife with a wet stone. However, the type of stone, angle of the blade, pressure applied, and frequency of use may influence the sharpening time. Resharpening will take less than a minute if done right.
End Note
Well, it looks like we have reached the end of it. Hope now you have found the perfect sharpening stone for your needs. We consider the Norton Combination Oil Stone as the best overall. However, there are other options to choose from as well.
Then again, if you want a faster resharpening, try out the Naniwa Professional. A few seconds of sharpening should be enough to give you perfect slices of meat, veggies, fruits, and so on.
This is all for today. Have a good day. And don’t forget to let us know which one you picked in the comment section!
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