Different Types Of Sharpening Stones: Which One Is The Best?
Keeping your kitchen knives sharp is essential for safe and efficient food prep. But with so many sharpening stones on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. In this guide, Kiichin will break down the three main types of sharpening stones, explaining their pros and cons to help you find the perfect match for your sharpening needs and kitchen goals.
1. The 3 types of sharpening stones
1.1. Water stones
Water stone has become very popular due to its many performance advantages. This is one of the types of sharpening stones available in both natural and synthetic materials.
Water stones are typically made of Aluminum Oxide abrasives. This is the same abrasive material used in oil stones as Norton India Stones. The key difference between water stone and oil stone is the adhesive that holds the abrasives together. Water stone is softer than oil stone. This softer adhesive promotes faster cutting as the old abrasive material peels off and is replaced with new sharp material.
Water stone is softer than oil stone
Fast cutting is an obvious advantage of water stone. It is also available with a wider variety of grits than most others. Waterstone is available in grits as coarse as 120 grit and is easily found in grits above 8000 (preferably 30,0000).
Another obvious advantage is using water instead of oil to remove metal grit (metal particles created during grinding) from the stone. Not only is water easier to clean, but it's also something that's almost always available.
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1.2. Oil stones
Compared to water stone, oil stone is a more burdensome stone. These whetstone types use oil to remove metal filings and keep the stones clogging.
Traditional oil stone was originally a natural stone made from Novaculite. The coarsest of them is called Washita. Washita is rarely used today because it is very soft, and rough work is handled more efficiently with artificial oil stone.
Oil stones have good overall performance and lower prices
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Aluminum Oxide Oil Stone is a trendy artificial choice. The most popular is called Norton India Stones. These stones can cut quickly and create sharp edges on tools and knives. The grading system for these stones is typically labeled as fine, medium, and coarse. These stones are usually brown or orange.
Good overall performance and lower prices are the most significant advantages of oil stone. The main disadvantage of oil stone is its slower cutting.
1.3. Diamond stones
Diamonds are the fastest-growing whetstone types, quickly becoming a favorite among chefs and professionals. Diamond stones are made of artificial diamonds electroplated on a metal plate. The diamond particles are embedded in a nickel plating that gives them exceptional durability.
They are incredibly fast, very durable, and quickly sharpen anything with a cutting edge, including high carbon, stainless steel, and ceramic knives.
Diamond sharpening stone is a favorite among chefs and professionals
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2. What type of sharpening stone is best?
2.1. Factors to consider when choosing the suitable sharpening tone
Different types of knives may require different types of sharpening stones
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When selecting the perfect sharpening stone, remember a few essential things to ensure you get the best results. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Knife type: Consider whether you'll be sharpening kitchen or outdoor knives. Different types of knives may require different types of sharpening stones.
- Desired edge: Consider the kind of edge you want on your knife. Do you prefer a toothy edge for chopping vegetables or a more refined edge for precise slicing?
- Skill level and sharpening experience: Your sharpening knife experience will play a role in choosing the suitable stone. Beginners find it easier to start with water stones or synthetic oil stones, while more experienced users prefer natural stones for their ability to produce a finer edge.
- Budget and maintenance preferences: Think about how much you're willing to spend on a sharpening stone and how much maintenance you want to do. Some stones may require more frequent flattening or cleaning than others.
2.2. How to choose the perfect sharpening stone for your needs?
Based on these factors, here are some tips to select the most suitable types of knife sharpening stones for your kitchen:
- For beginners: If you're new to sharpening knives, water or synthetic oil stones are a good choice. They're relatively easy to use and provide consistent results without too much maintenance.
- For experienced users: Natural stones are worth considering for those with more sharpening experience. They can produce an exceptionally sharp edge but may require more maintenance and care to keep them in optimal condition.
Water or synthetic oil stones are a good choice for beginners
Considering these factors and recommendations, you can choose the suitable sharpening stone to keep your knives in top condition for all your cutting needs.
3. How to use a sharpening stone
How long do sharpening stones last depends on the way you use and maintain them. Soaking in water is the most common method, especially for artificial stone, but some users prefer oil. It is important to note that if you use oil, you must continue to use oil throughout the life of the sharpening stone, as you cannot switch to water later.
Some whetstone types, such as Japanese water stones, should be soaked for up to an hour, although for some more standard types, a shorter soak will suffice.
Soaking in water is the most common method
Once your whetstone types are fully prepared, it's time to start honing. Brush the blade tool's blunt edge over the grinding wheel's abrasive surface - usually in a steady, slightly angled diagonal motion. An angle of 15-20° is ideal. The higher the angle, the more durable the blade will be, while the lower the angle, the sharper the blade will be but less durable.
Place your fingers on the blade's tip during sharpening to keep pressure even and consistent. Alternate each side of the blade and try to maintain a consistent angle while doing so for best results.
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4. Conclusion
Now you're equipped with popular types of sharpening stones. No matter your choice, mastering the art of sharpening will not only elevate your cooking experience but also ensure safety and efficiency in the kitchen. Follow Kiichin for more updates on food, kitchenware, and recipes from the heart of Japan.