How to Use a Whetstone

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Jun 17, 2024 7:00 AM ET

Planning to use a whetstone to sharpen your knives? We approve. It's a great way to keep your knife blades sharp and well-maintained. It's also less likely to damage your dull blade than an aggressive manual knife sharpeners. That said, you can still mess up your tools pretty bad, so before you get started, let's go over some frequent mistakes to ensure you know how to use the tool like a pro.

Don't Make These Mistakes

Incorrect Angle: Not maintaining the correct angle (usually between 15- to 20-degree angle) can result in an uneven edge. Consistency is key for effective sharpening, but it takes practice to be precise with your blade angle.
Uneven Pressure: Applying uneven pressure can cause parts of the blade to sharpen differently, leading to an imbalanced and damaged edge. Use gentle, consistent pressure throughout each stroke to ensure a razor-sharp edge.
Insufficient Soaking: Not soaking a water stone long enough can lead to poor lubrication, which reduces the effectiveness of the sharpening method. Ensure the stone is fully saturated before getting started.
Skipping Grits: Using a single grit stone might not be enough for a dull knife. Start with a coarse grit whetstone and transition to a finer grit whetstone helps to ensure a sharper, more polished edge. The coarsest stone removes the most material, while the finer grit stones serve more as a grit for polishing the super-sharp edge.
Improper Technique: Sharpening strokes matter. Sliding the knife back and forth without lifting it can cause burrs and damage to the edge. Use controlled, deliberate strokes, lifting the knife at the end of each stroke to achieve a sharp blade.
Neglecting Maintenance: Not cleaning and flattening the whetstone can lead to uneven surfaces, affecting sharpening. Regularly rinse the stone and flatten it with a lapping plate or flattening stone.
Over-Sharpening: Excessively sharpening can remove too much metal, shortening the knife’s lifespan. Sharpen only when necessary, and plan to hone regularly to maintain the cutting edge.

How to Use a Whetstone (aka Sharpening Stone)

Sharpening using a stone may seem daunting, but with practice, it's really satisfying to be able to maintain your blade edges on your own.

Prepare the stone: If using a water stone, soak the whetstone in water for about 10-15 minutes until bubbles cease. Remember: if you don't soak it long enough, you risk poor lubrication and unwanted friction during sharpening. For an oil stone, apply a thin layer of mineral oil to facilitate smooth sharpening.
Find the perfect angle: Hold the tool at a consistent angle, making every effort to match the original edge angle of the blade. This helps to guarantee a balance between sharpness and durability.
Master the stroke: Start from the heel of the blade and draw it smoothly across the stone towards the tip, maintaining steady pressure. Use the entire length of the stone to ensure even sharpening.
Alternate sides evenly: Aim for equal strokes on both sides of the blade to maintain a symmetrical edge. Rotate the knife after each set of strokes to achieve uniform sharpening.
Use a honing rod for refinement: After sharpening, use a honing steel to refine the edge. Draw the knife along the steel at a slight angle, alternating sides to realign the edge and enhance cutting precision.
Clean and store properly: After sharpening, rinse the knife and stone to remove metal particles, then dry thoroughly to prevent rust. Store your bladed tools in a safe, dry place to maintain their newly sharpened edge. Using proper knife storage matters if you want to maintain your sharp blade!