Whetstone Grit Selector

Understanding Whetstone Grit

Whetstone grit works much like sandpaper: lower numbers are coarse and remove metal quickly, while higher numbers are fine and refine the edge. Choosing the right grit for the task saves time and gives a better result. Trying to sharpen a dull knife on a polishing stone is slow and frustrating; using a coarse stone for finishing leaves a rough, toothy edge.

Grit Ranges Explained

• 120–400 (Coarse): Repair chips, fix damage, and reshape badly dulled edges.
• 800–1000 (Medium): The everyday workhorse for putting a fresh edge on a dull knife.
• 2000–3000 (Fine): Refine and smooth the edge for extra sharpness.
• 5000–8000 (Extra fine): Polish to a mirror finish for a screaming-sharp final edge.

For most home cooks, a single 1000/6000 combination stone covers 95% of sharpening needs.

Do You Need Multiple Stones?

Not necessarily. A good combination stone with a medium side (around 1000) and a fine side (around 6000) is enough for most kitchen knives. You only need a coarse stone if you're repairing damage. Whatever grit you choose, maintain a consistent angle and follow a sensible sharpening schedule.